Brazilian company, Mantiqueira USA to buy Hickman’s Farm

In a press release, Mantiqueira USA said it will acquire Hickman’s Egg Ranch. This marks the company’s official entry into the United States egg market. The deal is expected to close by the end of the year. This purchase follows a challenging year for Hickman’s. It was impacted by a major avian influenza outbreak that disrupted its operations.

Hickman’s has faced multiple setbacks that reshaped its production capacity and financial position. Earlier this year, the farm lost more than one million hens to avian influenza, as first reported by InBuckeye. Soon after, state officials confirmed that the company buried more than two million chickens under required emergency procedures. As a result of those actions, the state warned that groundwater pumping and treatment may be necessary to protect the Buckeye Valley. In addition, officials ordered Hickman’s to monitor water quality and safeguard nearby wells. This added new regulatory responsibilities as the company worked to stabilize its operations.

Impact of avian flu and environmental requirements

These events led to significant supply shortages and long-term environmental concerns. Hickman executives told InBuckeye they could not produce enough eggs to meet demand after the outbreak. State reports further detailed the scale of the disposal sites and the ongoing effort to protect water resources in the region. These combined pressures contributed to the rugged landscape the company navigated throughout the year.

Mantiqueira USA’s strategy in the American market

Mantiqueira USA is a joint venture formed by the Pinto Family and JBS N V. Through the acquisition, the company will establish its first production base in the United States. Founder Leandro Pinto said the step fulfills a long-held goal for the family. It allows Mantiqueira to combine its international experience with Hickman’s industry knowledge.

Murilo Scarpa Pinto will lead Mantiqueira USA as president. He said the acquisition creates a strong foundation for expansion. It aligns the strengths of both companies. JBS USA CEO Wesley Batista Filho called the move a strategic investment. It introduces a complementary protein category to the company’s American operations.

“Our family has spent generations building a company rooted in excellence and integrity,” said Glenn Hickman, President & CEO, Hickman’s Egg Ranch. “We are confident that this transition will bring even greater opportunities to our customers, employees and partners.”

Looking ahead

Mantiqueira USA will base its operations in Greeley, Colorado. The acquisition marks a significant turning point for Hickman’s after months of supply losses, environmental directives, and recovery efforts widely detailed in InBuckeye’s reporting.