Launching any business locally, and in particular, a food business is no easy feat. One based on goat milk however, some may say is a huge risk, especially when faced with large scale competitors such as Nestle and Moo Milk, whose share of the market is substantial and well established. Entrepreneurs face many challenging steps: development of product formulations, packaging and label designs, gaining Chemistry, Food and Drugs approvals, set up of equipment and facility, processing, staffing, marketing, sales and distribution are but a few. Yet, Mr. Lincoln Thackorie, owner of Marilissa Farms Limited, an impressive goat farm located in Penal, has thus far succeeded in traveling this meandering road.
In addition to his plain pasteurized milk available in JTA Supermarkets and Massy Stores, Mr. Thackorie partnered with The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI), utilizing the expertise of their food technologists, technicians, engineers and graphics designer, as well as their processing pilot plant facilities to expedite the development and launch of a new chocolate flavoured goat milk product.
But why goat milk when there are so many options out there like cow’s milk, soy milk and almond milk just to name a few? The easiest answer to that would be the many health benefits associated with consuming goat’s milk and here are just a few of them:
- If you are lactose-intolerant, then you know the pain of never being able to enjoy dairy products, however that is not the case with goat’s milk. Goat milk can be more completely and easily absorbed, leaving less undigested excess behind in the colon to ferment and cause the uncomfortable symptoms of lactose intolerance.
- Goats’ milk is naturally slightly lower in cholesterol than cows’ milk as there are nearly twice as many beneficial fatty acids, which means that our cholesterol balance can be aided by consumption of goat’s milk.
- Another health benefit to goats’ milk and other types of products like yogurt are they are rich in calcium, a mineral indicated as important in lowering our blood pressure.
- Goat milk is far more nutrient-dense than cow milk, meaning that you don’t need as much of it to receive the same (or even better) nutrient intake.
- Goat milk is a very rich source of protein, which is an essential part of growth and development, as proteins are the building blocks of our tissue, muscle, and bone.
Here is an interesting view from Mr Lincoln Thackorie on venturing into the goat milk business.
Q: So, why did you decide to invest in a goat farm and goat milk processing?
LT: I enjoy working with the goats. From a very young age I found myself interested in farming. I realized that there was a demand for goat meat and instead of rearing solely a meat animal; I selected a dual purpose animal so you can have both meat and milk. In terms of economics, it’s obvious that you would get better value for your money with a dual purpose animal. That being said, goat’s milk is actually more versatile than any other type of milk, even cow’s milk. There are many people who are lactose intolerant and therefore cannot drink cow’s milk. Goat milk is the perfect alternative because it contains much less lactose. It can even be used for many other products such as cheese, ice cream and even soap.
Q: What is your perception of the market for goat milk in Trinidad and Tobago?
I enjoy working with the goats. From a very young age I found myself interested in farming. I realized that there was a demand for goat meat and instead of rearing solely a meat animal; I selected a dual purpose animal so you can have both meat and milk. In terms of economics, it’s obvious that you would get better value for your money with a dual purpose animal. That being said, goat’s milk is actually more versatile than any other type of milk, even cow’s milk. There are many people who are lactose intolerant and therefore cannot drink cow’s milk. Goat milk is the perfect alternative because it contains much less lactose. It can even be used for many other products such as cheese, ice cream and even soap.
Q: What is the greatest difficulty you face in running a goat milk business?
LT: The labour supply is definitely the greatest difficulty. Not many people want to venture into the agriculture sector, especially when it comes to animal husbandry. Labourers need to have a complete understanding of the animal and usually you’ll find that they don’t. It’s not a glamourous job but it is extremely rewarding work.
Q: What would be the best advice you can give to others entering this business?
LT: It’s important to start slowly and be very hands on so that you can learn the business and therefore grow with it. Passion for what you do cannot be understated. The more passionate you are about what you do, the more zeal and energy you will find. You will work harder and you will be better able to deal with any difficulties that may arise.
Q: What new products or ideas do you envision for the future that you would like to share?
LT: Goat milk is so versatile that in the future I see the product line expanding to include cheese, yogurt, ice cream and even beauty products. It is extremely important to keep introducing quality products on the market that not only taste good but are also beneficial to your health.
Try Marilissa Farms chocolate flavoured goat’s milk today! Contact: 647-5752, marilissafarms@hotmail.com
For more information on product development, please contact CARIRI’s Biotechnology Unit at 299-0210 ext 5053 or email us at biotech@cariri.com
