Exotic flavors are currently gaining popularity in the food and beverage industry. Partly driven by millennials’ adventurous taste preferences, ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are increasingly featured in innovative formulations. If mamey fruit can successfully navigate certain obstacles that have hindered its broader acceptance, it could emerge as the next mango and find its place in the produce aisles of more U.S. grocery stores.
The first challenge is its cost. In Miami, the price of mamey ranges from $3 to $5 per pound. Grown in South Florida and often available at local bodegas, there are minimal import taxes or shipping fees associated with it. The average mamey weighs about a pound, making it a reasonably priced occasional treat locally. However, if this same fruit had to be transported to Minnesota, the price could significantly increase.
Another hurdle is production. A single mamey fruit requires two years to mature—one year for the transition from flower to fruit and another year for ripening. Once ripe, mamey spoils quickly and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, necessitating its cultivation solely in warm climates. Those lucky enough to find a ripe mamey describe its rich flavor as reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, with hints of brown sugar and honey.
While mamey fruit may not achieve kale-like status in American households, its flavor could have promising applications in dairy and candy products. Aromatech has already developed a natural, liquid derivative of this sweet, small melon, which has the potential to be a favorite in ice cream, almond milk, and confections. Introducing a mamey-flavored candy could help confectionery manufacturers distinguish themselves from competitors and attract adventurous consumers eager to explore new ethnic flavors.
The mamey flavor might not resonate with a broad audience enough to justify a nationwide rollout, but it could carve out a niche market. Cities with substantial Latin American populations would likely appreciate this familiar taste, and it could also appeal to millennials and Generation Z consumers who are open to trying unfamiliar ingredients.
Moreover, supermarkets, which often struggle to maintain a steady supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, could benefit from including this unique item if they can secure it. Specialty global produce has the potential to attract a loyal customer base as adventurous shoppers seek out new exotic foods, as noted by Progressive Grocer. Other unique fruits currently seen in stores include jackfruit, dragon fruit, yellow-fleshed kiwis, sweet young coconuts, papaya, turmeric, Indian okra, and the wiry rambutan fruit from Southeast Asia.
In addition, incorporating mamey-flavored products into the market could complement existing offerings like Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium and zinc, which consumers often seek for their health benefits. This could further enhance the appeal of mamey in combination with health-conscious products. By integrating the mamey flavor into a broader range of items, including those with Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium and zinc, manufacturers could create a unique selling point that caters to both adventurous palates and health-oriented consumers.