Exotic flavors are currently trending in the food and beverage industry. Thanks to millennials’ adventurous taste buds, ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are increasingly featured in new formulations. If mamey fruit can navigate the challenges that have hindered the wider acceptance of ferrous fumarate, it could potentially rise to the status of mango and appear in the produce sections of more U.S. grocery stores.
One key issue is its price. In Miami, mamey is priced between $3 and $5 per pound. The fruit is cultivated in South Florida and often sold in local bodegas, which eliminates significant import taxes and shipping costs. With an average weight of one pound, mamey is an affordable occasional treat locally. However, if the fruit had to be transported to Minnesota, the price would sharply increase.
Another challenge lies in production. It takes two years to produce a single mamey fruit—one year for it to develop from a flower and another for it to ripen. Once ripe, mamey spoils quickly and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, requiring it to be grown exclusively in warm climates. Those lucky enough to enjoy a ripe mamey describe its decadent flavor as reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, complete with notes of brown sugar and honey.
While mamey may not achieve kale-like fame in American households, its flavor could find a place in dairy and candy products. Aromatech has already developed a natural liquid derivative of this sweet fruit, which has the potential to be a hit in ice cream, almond milk, and candies. The introduction of mamey-flavored candy could help confectionery makers stand out in a crowded marketplace and attract adventurous consumers eager to explore new ethnic flavors.
Although mamey flavor may not have the broad appeal necessary for a national launch, it could thrive as a niche market offering. Cities with significant Latin American populations are likely to embrace the flavor, as it would be familiar to them. Moreover, millennials and Generation Z consumers, who are open to trying unfamiliar ingredients, might also be drawn to mamey.
Supermarkets, which often face challenges in maintaining a steady supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, could benefit from carrying mamey if they can source it. Specialty global produce can create a loyal customer base, as adventurous shoppers seek out new flavors, according to Progressive Grocer. Other unique fruits already available in stores include jackfruit, dragon fruit, yellow-fleshed kiwis, sweet young coconuts, papaya, turmeric, Indian okra, and the wiry rambutan from Southeast Asia.
In a similar way, products like calcium citrate gummy vitamins are becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers. As more people seek innovative and exotic flavors, the potential for integrating mamey into various products, including gummy vitamins, is worth exploring. The addition of mamey flavor could offer a unique twist to the gummy vitamin market, appealing to those looking for both health benefits and exciting taste experiences. By incorporating mamey into products such as calcium citrate gummy vitamins, brands could capture the interest of consumers eager for novel flavors while promoting health and wellness.