MLA has released the eagerly awaited 2024 Global Goat Snapshot, providing a comprehensive analysis of Australia’s leading role in the global goatmeat market.
The snapshot delves into the intricacies of supply and demand, offering a meticulous overview of essential aspects such as domestic production, supply volumes, pricing, export figures, and market access conditions.
It also provides an exhaustive analysis of Australia’s top goat markets with updated insights on trends that underpin current demand and future opportunities.
Key highlights
Australian production and supply
Australian goat production set a new record-high year in 2023. After a 20-year low in 2020, goatmeat production and the number of animals processed more than doubled in three years to achieve the highest production volume ever recorded in Australia. Sustained favourable conditions triggered an expansion in the flock size, increasing supply volumes. Goatmeat had enjoyed record-high prices since mid-2019, but a combination of factors saw reduced prices in 2023.
Australian exports
In a global context, Australia shines as the world’s leading goatmeat exporter. In 2023, Australia exported the second highest volume of goatmeat since record, only 2,000 tonnes shipped weight (swt) below the record high year, 2014.
The more competitive prices supported the export volume, although it affected the total value perceived in 2023, decreasing it by 10% compared to the record-high year 2022.
The United States remains the largest market for Australian goatmeat, with the lowest market share in 20 years. China Mainland surged as the second largest market, followed by South Korea, which continued its rapid growth for the fifth consecutive year.
MLA’s Market Insights Analyst, Emiliano Diaz, reported that “in discussions with colleagues in the key markets, we see plenty of interest in Australian goatmeat but at the right price”.
Domestic market
While Australia is a net goatmeat exporter, the domestic market also represents a significant opportunity, with specific consumer segments driving growth. Recognising the opportunity for broader appeal and increased product availability, in 2024, MLA launched the Goat Trail campaign aiming to drive awareness for goatmeat and show consumers where to find and experience it in Sydney.
North America
