Perceptions and quality attributes of goat meat in north-eastern region of Colombia: insights from consumers and farmers

Abstract

The present study set out to explore the perspectives of consumers and producers on goat meat in Santander, in north-eastern Colombia. The region’s cultural and historical context is characterized by a long-standing tradition of goat production and consumption. A choice experiment involving 85 consumers, complemented by in-depth interviews with 14 producers, revealed a marked preference for goat meat over sheep meat, along with a strong attachment to locally produced meat from Santander. It has been posited by the producers that the distinctive sensory qualities of the product, including its unique taste, are attributable to the extensive grazing practices that take place in the biodiverse Chicamocha Canyon. It was determined that goat farming constitutes an ancestral practice that exerts a significant influence on the culinary heritage of the local populace. The alignment between consumer preferences and producer perceptions demonstrates the potential for the development of a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for Santander goat meat. The implementation of such an initiative has the potential to safeguard traditional practices, strengthen rural livelihoods, and add market value by differentiating goat meat from other regional products, including sheep meat.