Mantiqueira, the largest egg producer in Brazil, has almost 40 years of history, consolidating itself as a reference in national agriculture. Founded by Leandro Pinto, the company started with a small flock and grew into an empire with approximately 18 million chickens and revenue of R$2.5 billion.
In 2025, the company gained a strong strategic partner: JBS, which purchased half of the operation, aiming to expand its presence in protein production and strengthen its global presence in the egg market. “If there was anyone we would associate with, it was them,” said Leandro Pinto, during an interview with the podcast Business Rootits road between the countryside and Faria Lima, a partnership between InfoMoney e .
The executive detailed the company’s trajectory, the relationship with new partners and the brand’s sustainable growth strategy, sharing insights on the market, technology, animal welfare and trends in egg consumption in Brazil and abroad, in addition to difficulties regarding exports.
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The approach with JBS, a giant in the food sector, began more than 20 years ago, according to Leandro Pinto, founder of Mantiqueira, when the brand acted as a beef supplier for the company. The decision to sell 50% of the company was the result of structured planning, with meetings and alignment of values between the parties.
He highlights that the company brought strategic strength and infrastructure to boost Mantiqueira globally, without interfering in the company’s day-to-day operations. “They didn’t put a person in there to take charge. It’s more strategic. The company remains the same”, he stated, highlighting that decisions are made through council consensus.
“It’s very easy to run the company with them, because it’s through WhatsApp, in the group, we resolve everything very quickly”, he added.
Growth in egg consumption and innovation
The egg has increasingly established itself as a protein present in Brazilians’ daily lives. Previously considered a kind of “ugly duckling” in the market, it has now become more attractive, with relevant movements by large companies looking at the commodity.
Leandro highlighted that the product is growing globally and has many of the characteristics that consumers are looking for: it is healthy, with a good amount of protein and very practical. “I travel the world and, in hotels, where there is a queue it is for eggs, whether scrambled, fried, omelet. It’s simple and has everything”, he said.
Mantiqueira was also one of the pioneers in automation in the sector, bringing new equipment to the country for this purpose since 1997. He explained that the company analyzes international opportunities carefully, prioritizing strategic alignment and sustainability, as the transport of shell eggs has validity limitations.
