Mantiqueira USA Acquires Hickman’s Egg Ranch, Enters U.S. Market

Greeley, Colo., November 14, 2025 – Get ready for a major shake-up in your breakfast routine.

Mantiqueira USA (MTQ USA), a newly formed joint venture between South America’s largest egg producer, Mantiqueira, and global food giant JBS N.V. (NYSE: JBS), has officially announced a binding agreement to acquire Hickman’s Egg Ranch.

Hickman’s is no small fry; it’s a leading egg producer in the Mountain and West Coast regions, consistently ranking among the top 20 egg companies in the United States. This isn’t just an acquisition; it’s MTQ USA’s formal launch and a clear long-term strategy to build a strong, scalable presence in the U.S. egg market.

The move is rooted in a long-held vision. “Expanding into the United States has long been a vision for our family, and taking this step through the acquisition of Hickman’s makes this moment especially meaningful,” said Leandro Pinto, Founder of Mantiqueira, which is also the world’s 10th largest egg company.

He emphasized Hickman’s legacy of quality, a foundation MTQ USA aims to build upon. Murilo Scarpa Pinto, President of MTQ USA, echoed this sentiment, stating the acquisition “creates a strong foundation built on complementary strengths,” combining Hickman’s heritage with global experience and resources.

This acquisition is a strategic diversification in the broader protein landscape. Wesley Batista Filho, CEO of JBS USA, highlighted its “strategic importance” and the expansion into a “new and complementary protein category” for JBS in the United States.

He predicts significant synergies, enhanced collaboration, and accelerated innovation. For customers across the country, this could mean new offerings and efficiencies, though the exact impact on your grocery cart remains to be seen.

Glenn Hickman, President & CEO of Hickman’s Egg Ranch, expressed confidence in the transition, noting it “will bring even greater opportunities to our customers, employees and partners.” The transaction is expected to close by year-end, pending customary conditions.

MTQ USA is committed to responsible operations and building a best-in-class platform in the U.S. egg industry.

So, the next time you crack open an egg, remember: the global food landscape is constantly shifting, and this latest move by Mantiqueira USA and JBS could be a taste of things to come.