Is there a market for goat dairy products in the state of Paraná, Brazil?

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate people’s knowledge and consumption habits regarding goat milk and dairy products, as well the availability of these products in three municipalities (Londrina, Maringá, and Arapongas) in the northern region of the state of Paraná, Brazil, selected for convenience and because they are located close to the state of São Paulo, a major market that includes dairy consumption. To do this, a semiopen form, with 31 questions and hosted on Google Forms, was used. Among the 247 respondents, 47% said they did not know the difference between goat and cow milk. Images of goat UHT milk and cheese were associated (69%) with positive words or interest. The prevalence of goat dairy product consumption was associated with age group (higher milk consumption from 31 years of age and of dairy products from 41 to 60 years) and family income (46% up to three minimum wages and 27% from four to six). Cheese consumption was also associated with the number of inhabitants of the municipality and with their level of schooling. Most of the people who consume or have consumed goat milk (raw, pasteurized, long life, and powdered) and/or dairy products were motivated by taste or recommendations from friends and doctors, in this order. The main reasons pointed out for non-consumption were the lack of knowledge about this dairy product and lack of habit. Goat UHT milk and milk powder were available in all evaluated municipalities, but cheeses were found only in the two largest ones. The studied region is a potential market for the sale of goat milk products. Therefore, publicizing the health benefits of these products, through online and offline marketing strategies, as well as increasing their availability in the markets, should be taken into account.