France, Paris: Heineken NV said on March 11 it will cut 204 jobs in France over the next three years as part of its efforts to deal with a slowdown in the beer market, according to AFX News.

The Dutch brewer said last month that it is reviewing all its West European breweries, with cost reductions and stronger marketing needed in the face of a continued decline in beer consumption.

The company employs around 3,000 people at its 5 production sites in France; no site closures are planned. The French restructuring is aimed at "improving competitiveness" and includes improving production processes, cutting costs and investing in marketing, a spokesperson said.