Australian goatmeat production and exports hit highs
31 March 2022
MLA’s Global Goatmeat Snapshot for 2022 is out now, outlining supply and demand within the Australian goatmeat market.
It contains a detailed overview of market dynamics during 2021, including the evolution of domestic goat production and supply volumes, slaughter numbers, prices over-the-hooks and export volumes and values.
The snapshot also provides a comprehensive analysis of top Australian goatmeat markets, with updated insights on factors underpinning demand and future opportunities from emerging consumer trends.
Read on to view some of the highlights from the 2022 MLA Global Goatmeat Snapshot or view the full Snapshot here.
Highlights
Australian production and supply
Australian goat production has rebounded after several years of adverse environmental conditions impacting supply volumes.
Sustained favourable conditions since 2020 have triggered an expansion in the flock size, flowing on to increased production. 2021 saw an end to the downward trend in slaughter which had been occurring since 2015.
The rise in production reflects an increase in the number of animals as well as heavier animals, resulting in heavier carcase weights.
Australian exports
Australia is a minor goatmeat producer in the global context but stands out as the world's top exporter (Source: FAO). Despite pandemic-related disruptions across distribution and sales channels, demand for Australian goatmeat in international markets is strong, driving annual export unit prices to record highs.
The ranking of Australia’s top five export markets has changed over the past year. The US remains by far the most important market for Australian goatmeat. South Korea has overtaken Taiwan for the first time to be Australia’s second-largest destination. Canada, Trinidad and Tobago complete the top five.
Domestic market
While Australia is a net goatmeat exporter, MLA calculations indicate the domestic market would rank in the top five largest markets for Australian goatmeat. The protein still has a relatively low level of awareness in the general population and limited availability in retail and foodservice restrict the market size, with specific consumer segments driving consumption.
However, MLA has identified several drivers that can be leveraged to grow consumption as production is forecast to grow.
The North America market
North America has long been Australian goatmeat's largest destination. The US is by far the largest trade partner and Canada is one of the fastest-growing markets. Goatmeat is a niche protein with low awareness amongst many consumers, but large communities with various ethnic backgrounds are driving demand.
Australia is the largest goatmeat supplier to the US. However, when Australian volumes dropped, competitors Mexico and New Zealand took the opportunity to increase supply to the market. Learn more about what’s driving North America’s goatmeat import demand and opportunities in the market post-pandemic by viewing the full Snapshot.
South Korea market
- Korea's record high goatmeat imports for 2021 have recently made it Australia’s second-largest export destination
- an increased number of foreign workers who enjoy goatmeat and growth in production of medicines using goat extracts have been key drivers of Korea’s import demand growth in recent years.
Taiwan market
- Taiwan has long been a major market for Australian goatmeat, with Australia supplying the vast majority of imports. In recent years, high prices and tight supply in Australia have eroded export volumes to Taiwan.
- Goatmeat is typically consumed in winter due to its perceived ability to build strength and warm the body.
Caribbean market
- Trinidad and Tobago have been among Australia’s top five export markets for a number of years. The Caribbean region enjoys goatmeat in several popular dishes.
- In recent years, the combination of tight supply from Australia and strong demand from other markets has softened Trinidad and Tobago's import volumes of Australian goatmeat.
Livestock exports
In 2021, Malaysia increased demand for Australian live goats to reclaim its position as Australia’s largest market.
