Goat Dairy Product Assortment in Different Sales Channels in Northwestern Italy

摘要

Goat dairy product manufacturing in Piedmont has increased in recent years, along with consumption. This research highlights the characteristics of goat cheese, milk, and yogurt available in three categories of sales channels, large-scale retail, retail sales, and farmers’ markets, in a metropolitan area in Northwestern Italy. We reveal clear differences between the offered products’ characteristics in the various distribution channels, both in terms of the reference numbers and assortment, and in terms of price, quality, and typicality. In particular, the analysis of product origins shows a correlation between the share of local product presence and the distribution channel type. Given the importance of product origin for consumers, as well as consumer acceptance of goat cheeses, the increase of local goat dairy products in farmers’ markets or retail outlets could represent an opportunity for growth and differentiation of this sector in the regional market, allowing operators in the sector to benefit from direct sales advantages.