In 2022, the global goat cheese market was worth roughly $5.72 billion, according to a recent report by Pimpri-Chinchwad, India-based Zion Market Research.

The global goat cheese market is expected to reach more than $8.64 billion and surpass a CAGR of 5.29% by 2030. The report said Europe was the leading region for revenue generation in 2022 and is projected to continue leading the goat cheese market due to its overall high production rate of cheese. However, the report also said that some of the largest players in the goat cheese market are headquartered in the United States and Canada, so North America is also seeing significant growth in the market.

“The rising rate of strategic partnerships undertaken by these companies to enter new markets by collaborating with e-commerce companies and domestic players could further create higher growth opportunities,” Zion Market Research said.

Goat cheese pros and cons

According to Zion Market Research, the two top contributors to the goat cheese market growth are consumers’ increasing demand for specialty and artisanal products and goat cheese’s health benefits.

“Goat cheese has become an integral part of food products for this growing set of consumers mainly driven by the high demand for unique, high-quality, and locally sourced products,” the report said.

As for health benefits, the Zion Market Research said that consumers perceive goat cheese as healthier than cheese made from cow’s milk. While it has less lactose and can be a better option for people with lactose intolerance, goat cheese is also appealing to health-conscious consumers for its high levels of calcium and other vitamins and minerals.

The report also pointed out that the goat cheese market has seen a rising number of new players, both domestic and international.

“These players have adopted excellent marketing strategies to create a dedicated consumer segment,” Zion Market Research said. “By promoting factors such as unique qualities, nutritional benefits, culinary applications, and using locally sourced milk, these industry players have tapped into emerging markets that could contribute to industry expansion.”

On the negative side, the report noted several growth restraints affecting the goat cheese market. Those include the following:

  • Higher pricing than cow’s milk cheeses
  • Limited availability of raw materials
  • Less consumer familiarity
  • Difficulty developing a taste for it
  • Fewer options available than other types of cheeses

Overall, “Increasing investment in product innovation and diversification could provide growth opportunities while the production cost may challenge market growth,” the report said.

New fall flavors from Montchevre

Montreal-based Saputo Inc.’s Montchevre brand recently launched a new “Make Mischief with Montchevre” campaign to highlight its playful new flavor combinations and products.

“Goat cheese demand continues to rise, as does consumer demand for complementary and complex flavor combinations,” said Jenny Englert, Saputo USA’s marketing director. “With the Montchevre brand, we’re purposely mischievous in our innovations and always looking for those unique flavor profiles and product combinations that break the norm and help us stay ahead of trends and consumer demand.”

One of the new product lines hitting retail shelves this fall is Montchevre Duos. They feature two goat cheese flavors in one package and will be available in Sweet Hot Peppers + Garlic & Herbs and Blueberry + Lemonade.

Another new launch this fall is an additional flavor to Montchevre’s goat cheese toppers line, Thai Sweet Chili. The company describes the flavor as, “a fragrant blend of sweet red peppers, lime, garlic and spices for a kick of heat.”

Montchevre said that consumer demand for elevated snacking has made the topped line a huge success since its 2022 launch with Cranberry Port and Roasted Red Pepper flavors.

The last piece of the new brand campaign is updated packaging.

“Committed to delivering a best-in-category experience, the new packaging includes a horizontal orientation for its fresh goat cheese logs as we continue to see the category merchandised horizontally at shelf,” Montchevre said. “Fans will be pleased to note the brand is retaining its iconic, enchanting gingham plaid pattern, logo and distinctive bright color palette while uniting the full product portfolio under a more harmonious design.”

Key players in the goat cheese market

  • Montchevre
  • Belle Chevre
  • Vermont Creamery
  • Cypress Grove
  • Capriole
  • Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery
  • Meyenberg Goat Milk Products
  • Goat Lady Dairy
  • Woolwich Dairy
  • Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy
  • Laura Chenel
  • Stickney Hill Dairy
  • Avalanche Cheese Company
  • Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery
  • Coach Farm
  • Pure Luck Farm and Dairy
  • Drake Family Farms
  • Celebrity Goat Dairy
  • Beltane Farm
  • Carr Valley Cheese

This article is an excerpt from the September 2023 issue of Supermarket Perimeter. You can read the entire Goat Cheese feature and more in the digital edition here.