JBS is moving deeper into the US egg market as part of its broader effort to widen its protein portfolio amid sustained pressure from higher beef production costs. The company recently took a significant step by aligning with Hickman’s, an Arizona-based producer that suffered severe operational losses this year due to a major bird flu outbreak.
The partnership follows JBS’ January acquisition of a 50 per cent stake in Mantiqueira Brasil, one of South America’s largest egg producers. The investment marked a strategic move to build a foothold in the US egg sector while the business continues to expand into seafood and alternative proteins.
Market conditions have strengthened the appeal of eggs across the protein category. Prices have remained elevated, supporting strong returns for major producers with distributed farm networks. Smaller operators have faced far greater risk exposure. Hickman’s lost nearly six million birds earlier this year and was forced to reduce its workforce after the outbreak wiped out most of its flock.
JBS is expected to use Hickman’s as the operational base for its entry into US egg production. The company’s scale and international network are likely to support the rebuilding of Hickman’s flock and future expansion activity.
The shift into eggs comes as JBS manages tighter margins in its core beef division, with its North American beef operations recently reporting a steep decline in gross profit due to increased production costs.