By Grace Atherton
The burgeoning sheep and goat dairy industry is poised to continue its growth, thanks in part to efforts of the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), a partnership between the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA). The research findings were highlighted at the 2024 Dairy Sheep Symposium earlier this month.
“The sheep and goat dairy industry offers exciting opportunities for innovation and market expansion,” said Emily Slatter, DBIA Program Coordinator. “DBIA is proud to support the growth of these unique dairy sectors in the Midwest through this cutting-edge research, as well as our targeted grants and ongoing technical support."
Through its Dairy Business Builder grant program, DBIA has awarded 22 grants to businesses producing or developing goat, sheep, or mixed milk products. In total, these grants have provided $1.5M in support to small businesses.
DBIA partnered with global market intelligence firm Mintel to produce a report published in March 2024 that studied goat and sheep cheeses from around the world and summarized consumer price preferences, texture considerations, and differences in consumption across domestic and imported goat and sheep cheeses. That study also included a sensory review of 27 specific goat and sheep cheeses. Among other insights, the report offered new opportunities for U.S. goat and sheep cheese manufacturers to successfully compete with imported products through packaging improvements and retailer education.
At the request of goat and sheep dairy processors, the DBIA is also carrying out compositional analysis of various market samples (domestic and imported). Monthly sensory panels will contribute flavor and textural details to complement the analytical tests. The results will be shared with the industry as they look to develop common standards for the different cheese types.
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