MLA and Gourmet Goat Lady Pioneer Australia’s First Goat Salami

Meat & Livestock Australia, in partnership with The Gourmet Goat Lady – a NSW business specialising in premium goatmeat products - has completed a successful proof-of-concept project to develop Australia’s first commercially approved goat salami.

The initiative responds to growing consumer demand for premium deli meats and pork-free smallgoods, and was funded through the MLA Donor Company.

The project secured NSW Food Authority approval confirming that salami can be produced safely from 100 per cent farmed goatmeat, without added fat, while meeting all regulatory requirements.

MLA Group Manager for Science and Innovation, Michael Lee, said the work represents a major step for the goatmeat sector.

“This project demonstrates the potential for goatmeat to move further up the value chain through a safe, high-quality smallgoods product,” he said.

“The potential scope and reach of the market for goatmeat smallgoods is significant.”

The trial showed goatmeat contains enough natural fat to achieve an 80:20 meat-to-fat ratio, producing a leaner product than traditional pork salami while still meeting sensory and safety standards. Additional microbial testing and freezing steps were found to be practical for commercial use.

The Gourmet Goat Lady founder Jo Stewart said winning a gold medal at the 2025 Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards validated the work.

“This collaboration allowed us to prove goat salami can be produced safely and at premium quality,” she said.

The product will be showcased at MLA Updates in Adelaide.