In 2022, the global goat cheese market was worth roughly $5.72 billion, according to a recent report by 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,” the report 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 research noted 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 in the US and throughout the world.

“These players have adopted excellent marketing strategies to create a dedicated consumer segment,” the report 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.”

Photo: Montchevre

On the negative side, the report noted several growth restraints affecting the goat cheese market. Those include higher pricing than cow’s milk cheeses, limited availability of raw materials, less consumer familiarity, difficulty developing a taste for it, and fewer options available than other types of cheeses.

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

Zion Market Research identified several key players in the goat cheese market, naming the following companies:

• 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