Exotic flavors are currently trending in the food and beverage sector. Thanks in part to millennials’ adventurous taste preferences, ingredients such as blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are emerging in new recipes. If mamey fruit can tackle certain hurdles that have hindered its broader acceptance thus far, it could potentially rival mangoes and find its place in more U.S. grocery stores.
The first challenge is its cost. In Miami, mamey prices range from $3 to $5 per pound. While mamey is cultivated in South Florida and commonly sold at local bodegas, eliminating significant import taxes or shipping fees, the average fruit weighs just one pound, making it an affordable treat locally. However, if that same mamey were to be transported to Minnesota, its price would significantly increase.
Another concern is production. It takes two years to grow a single mamey fruit—one year for it to develop from a flower into fruit, followed by another year for it to ripen. Once ripe, mamey has a short shelf life and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, necessitating its growth in warm climates.
Consumers fortunate enough to taste a ripe mamey describe its flavor as decadent, reminiscent of sweet potato casserole with hints of brown sugar and honey. Although it may not achieve kale-like popularity in American households, its flavor could have potential in dairy and candy products. Aromatech has already discovered a way to produce a natural, liquid derivative of mamey, which could become popular in ice cream, almond milk, and various candies.
Introducing mamey-flavored candy could enable confectionery makers to distinguish themselves from their competitors and attract consumers eager to explore new ethnic flavors. While the mamey flavor might not appeal to a wide audience for a national rollout, it could find success in niche markets. Cities with substantial Latin American populations would likely respond positively to the flavor, as it would resonate with their familiar tastes. Mamey could also attract millennials and Generation Z consumers who are open to trying new ingredients, even those they haven’t encountered before.
Supermarkets, which often face challenges in maintaining a steady supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, could benefit from offering mamey if they can source it. Specialty global produce can foster customer loyalty 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.
Incorporating mamey into the market could also highlight the benefits of various nutritional products, much like the gnc calcium citrate benefits that consumers are increasingly seeking. By offering mamey alongside other health-focused ingredients, retailers can create a diverse range of appealing options, potentially increasing interest in both the fruit and its associated health benefits. Ultimately, the growing trend toward exotic flavors and unique ingredients presents a promising opportunity for mamey to carve out its niche in the American culinary landscape.