Exotic flavors are currently experiencing a surge in popularity within food and beverage sectors. This trend is partly driven by millennials’ adventurous tastes, leading to the emergence of ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine in innovative recipes. If mamey fruit can navigate the hurdles that have hindered its broader acceptance thus far, it could potentially rise to prominence like mango and find its way into the produce aisles of more U.S. grocery stores.
The first challenge lies in its pricing. In Miami, mamey prices fluctuate between $3 to $5 per pound. Since this fruit is cultivated in South Florida and commonly sold at local bodegas, there are minimal import taxes or shipping costs involved. Typically weighing about a pound, mamey is an affordable, occasional indulgence in the area. However, if this same fruit were to be transported to Minnesota, the expenses would significantly increase.
Another issue is the production timeline. 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 rapidly and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, necessitating its growth in warm climates only. Those lucky enough to find a ripe mamey describe its rich flavor, reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, accentuated with notes of brown sugar and honey.
While mamey may not achieve the kale-like status in American households, its flavor has promising applications in dairy and confections. Aromatech has already developed a natural liquid derivative of this sweet fruit, which holds great potential for ice cream, almond milk, and candy products. Introducing a mamey-flavored confection could enable candy makers to stand out in a competitive market and attract curious consumers eager to explore new ethnic tastes.
Although the mamey flavor might not attract a sufficiently broad consumer base for a nationwide rollout, there is potential for it to become a niche hit. Urban areas with substantial Latin American populations would likely embrace the flavor, as it would resonate with familiar tastes. Additionally, mamey could appeal to millennials and Generation Z consumers who are open to trying ingredients they may not have previously encountered.
Supermarkets, often challenged by the inconsistent availability of exotic fruits and vegetables, could also benefit from offering mamey if they can secure a reliable supply. Specialty produce can cultivate a dedicated 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.
Furthermore, the rise in interest for health and wellness products has led to an increased demand for the best quality calcium citrate supplement. As consumers become more health-conscious, integrating ingredients like mamey into products that also highlight nutritional benefits, such as calcium supplements, may enhance their appeal. By doing so, manufacturers could tap into the growing trend of combining exotic flavors with health-oriented offerings, positioning mamey as a versatile ingredient in a variety of applications.