Heineken Warns UK Pubs to Adapt as Weight-Loss Drugs Threaten Beer Sales

Heineken has urged British pubs and bars to adapt to rising use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs or risk losing customers and revenue, according to a company presentation seen by Reuters — a rare acknowledgment from a major alcohol maker that the medicines threaten beer sales. The presentation, sent to hospitality customers this month, advised venues to promote half-pints, low- and no-alcohol drinks and food pairings, warning that GLP-1 drugs can reduce the desire to drink and that traditional multi-pint occasions could become harder to sustain. About 10 million people in the US took medications such as Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy last year, per JPMorgan research. Circana data showed US households with a GLP-1 user spent roughly 7% less per month on alcohol after two years, including about 13.5% less on beer. Heineken said it would monitor how consumption behaviors evolve in 2027. Rivals Diageo and Carlsberg have played down the threat.