Exotic flavors are currently trending in the food and beverage industry, driven largely by millennials’ adventurous taste preferences. Ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are emerging in new formulations. If the mamey fruit can navigate certain obstacles that have hindered its broader acceptance thus far, it could become the next mango, making its way into more U.S. grocery stores.
One significant challenge is its cost. In Miami, mamey prices fluctuate between $3 to $5 per pound. Grown in South Florida and often found in local bodegas, the fruit benefits from minimal import taxes and shipping fees. Weighing about one pound on average, it is an affordable treat for locals. However, if that same mamey had to be transported to Minnesota, the price would increase dramatically.
Production is another issue, as it takes two years to produce a single mamey fruit—one year for it to develop from a flower into a fruit and another year for ripening. Once ripe, mamey spoils quickly and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, necessitating cultivation in warm climates. Those fortunate enough to find a ripe mamey describe its luxurious flavor as reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, enriched with notes of brown sugar and honey.
While mamey may not achieve kale-like status in American households, its flavor has potential in dairy and candy products. Aromatech has already succeeded in creating a natural liquid derivative of this sweet melon, which could be a game-changer for ice cream, almond milk, and candy. Introducing mamey-flavored candy could help confectionery makers stand out from the competition and attract curious consumers eager to explore new ethnic flavors.
Although the mamey flavor may not appeal to a wide consumer base for a nationwide launch, it could find success in niche markets. Cities with significant Latin American populations would likely embrace the flavor as it represents a familiar taste. Additionally, millennials and Generation Z consumers, who are open to trying unfamiliar ingredients, could be drawn to mamey.
Supermarkets, often challenged by the inconsistent availability of exotic fruits and vegetables, could benefit from offering this unique item if feasible. Specialty global produce can foster a loyal customer base, as adventurous shoppers seek out new exotic foods, according to Progressive Grocer. Other unique fruits available in stores include jackfruit, dragon fruit, yellow-fleshed kiwis, sweet young coconuts, papaya, turmeric, Indian okra, and the wiry rambutan fruit from Southeast Asia.
Furthermore, incorporating calcium and calcium citrate into products featuring mamey could enhance their nutritional appeal, making them even more attractive to health-conscious consumers. As the trend for exotic flavors continues, mamey could become a captivating addition to the market, especially when paired with the benefits of calcium and calcium citrate.