Brazilian company JBS SA, the world’s biggest meat producer, has made its first foray into the egg sector at a time when concern over the global spread of bird flu is buoying prices.

Brazilian protein giant JBS has entered the egg production sector through an investment agreement to acquire a stake in Mantiqueira Alimentos. JBS said in a statement it is taking a 50% interest in Mantiqueira, with control of the business shared with its founder Leandro Pinto.

JBS announced its entry into the egg protein segment with the acquisition of 50% of Estrada do Jardim, Brazil-based Mantiqueira Brazil, the largest egg producer in South America. The acquisition strengthens JBS’s global platform and will allow the company to continuously grow.

South America’s top egg producer, fresh off a sale of a 50% stake in the company to meat producer JBS SA, said it is weighing a merger or acquisition to enter the US market.

Brazilian meat producer JBS has acquired a 50% stake in one of South America's largest egg producers, Mantiqueira Brasil. Why it matters: This comes amidst a global surge in egg prices due to avian flu outbreaks.

JBS has acquired a 50 percent stake in Mantiqueira Brasil, the largest egg producer in South America, marking its entry into the industry. Control of the business will be shared with the company’s founder Leandro Pinto.

Brazilian meatpacker JBS has agreed to buy a stake in Mantiqueira Alimentos, it said on Monday, marking the food giant's entry into the egg sector in a deal that valued Mantiqueira at 1.9 billion reais ($321 million).