Exotic flavors are currently trending in the food and beverage sector. Thanks to the adventurous palates of millennials, ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are increasingly featured in new recipes. If mamey fruit can overcome certain hurdles that have limited its broader acceptance thus far, it could rise to prominence as the new mango and find its place in the produce sections of more U.S. grocery stores.
The first challenge is its cost. In Miami, mamey prices range from $3 to $5 per pound. Grown locally in South Florida and often sold at neighborhood bodegas, there are no significant import tariffs or shipping fees involved. The average mamey weighs about a pound, making it a reasonably priced, occasional treat for locals. However, if that same fruit had to be transported to Minnesota, its price would significantly increase.
Another concern is production. It takes two years to cultivate 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 it cannot withstand freezing temperatures, necessitating its growth in warm climates only.
Those lucky enough to taste a ripe mamey describe its flavor as decadent, reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, with notes of brown sugar and honey. While it may not achieve kale’s level of popularity in American households, its flavor could find a place in both dairy and candy products. Aromatech has already developed a natural, liquid derivative of this sweet, small melon, which has the potential to be a major success in ice cream, almond milk, and candy formulations.
Incorporating mamey-flavored candies could help confectionery producers distinguish themselves from competitors and attract curious consumers eager to explore new ethnic flavors. Although mamey flavor might not appeal to a sufficiently wide consumer base for a nationwide rollout, it could thrive in niche markets. Cities with significant Latin American communities are likely to embrace the flavor, as it would be familiar to them. Additionally, millennials and Generation Z consumers, who are generally open to trying unfamiliar ingredients, would likely be drawn to it.
Supermarkets, which often struggle to maintain a consistent supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, could also benefit from offering mamey if they can source it. Specialty grocery stores can cultivate a loyal customer base as adventurous shoppers seek out new and 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.
Moreover, integrating bariatric advantage soft chews into the mamey flavor profile could provide a unique twist for health-conscious consumers. With their increasing popularity, these soft chews might serve as an appealing way to introduce mamey’s exotic taste while catering to those looking for functional snacks. As the demand for innovative and health-centric products continues to grow, the combination of mamey flavor with bariatric advantage soft chews could present a fascinating opportunity for both consumers and producers alike.