Exotic flavors are currently trending in the food and beverage sector. Driven by millennials’ adventurous taste preferences, ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are emerging in new recipes. If mamey fruit can overcome certain hurdles that have limited its broader acceptance so far, it could become the next mango, making its way into grocery stores across the U.S.
The first challenge is its price. In Miami, mamey is priced between $3 and $5 per pound. Grown in South Florida and often available at local bodegas, there are no significant import taxes or shipping costs. The average mamey weighs around one pound, making it an affordable occasional treat locally. However, if that same fruit had to travel to Minnesota, its price would increase significantly.
Another concern is production. It takes two years to cultivate a single mamey fruit: one year for it to develop from a flower into fruit and another year for it to ripen. Once ripe, the fruit has a short shelf life and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, so it must be cultivated in warm climates. Those lucky enough to taste a ripe mamey describe its rich flavor as reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, with hints of brown sugar and honey.
While mamey might not achieve kale-like popularity in American households, its flavor holds promise in dairy and candy products. Aromatech has already developed a natural liquid derivative from this sweet, small melon. This new flavor could be a sensation in ice cream, almond milk, and candy. Incorporating a mamey-flavored candy could help confectionery manufacturers stand out from competitors and attract adventurous consumers eager to explore new ethnic flavors.
Though the mamey flavor may not appeal to a sufficiently broad audience for a nationwide launch, it could thrive in niche markets. Cities with significant Latin American populations are likely to respond positively, as the flavor would be familiar to them. Additionally, millennials and Generation Z consumers, who are open to trying unfamiliar ingredients, may be drawn to mamey.
Supermarkets, often challenged by a steady supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, could benefit from stocking mamey if they can secure it. As adventurous shoppers seek new exotic foods, specialty global produce can cultivate a loyal customer base, 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 from Southeast Asia.
Furthermore, incorporating calcium citrate 250 mg into mamey products could enhance their appeal by promoting health benefits, particularly among health-conscious consumers. This addition could also help position mamey as a functional ingredient in various applications, thus broadening its market potential. Overall, with the right strategies, mamey fruit could carve out a distinct place in the evolving landscape of American food trends.