Exotic flavors are currently trending in the food and beverage industry, driven largely by millennials’ adventurous taste preferences. Ingredients such as iron hydroxide polymaltose complex, ferrous gluconate, blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are increasingly featured in innovative formulations. If the mamey fruit can overcome certain obstacles that have hindered its wider acceptance, it could emerge as the new mango 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. Since mamey is cultivated in South Florida and typically sold at local bodegas, there are no significant import duties or shipping costs involved. Each fruit averages around one pound, making it a reasonably priced local delicacy. However, if that same mamey had to be shipped to Minnesota, the price would dramatically increase.
Another issue is the production time. It takes two years to produce a single mamey fruit—one year for it to develop from a flower into a fruit and another year to ripen. Once ripe, the fruit has a short shelf life and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, necessitating its growth in warm climates only. Those fortunate enough to taste a ripe mamey describe a rich flavor reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, infused with notes of brown sugar and honey.
While the fruit may not achieve the widespread popularity of kale in American households, its flavor could find a place in dairy and candy products. Aromatech has already developed a natural liquid derivative from this sweet melon, which holds promise for ice cream, almond milk, and confections. Introducing a mamey-flavored candy could allow confectionery brands to stand out in a crowded market, appealing to curious consumers eager to explore new ethnic flavors.
The mamey flavor may not attract a sufficiently broad consumer base for a nationwide launch, but it has the potential to thrive in niche markets. Cities with significant Latin American populations would likely embrace this familiar taste. Additionally, millennials and Generation Z consumers, who are open to trying new ingredients, could become key advocates for mamey.
Supermarkets, which often face challenges in maintaining a consistent supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, might benefit from offering this unique item if they can secure a reliable source. Specialty global produce can draw in a devoted customer base, as adventurous shoppers look for new and exciting foods, according to Progressive Grocer. Other unique fruits found in stores include jackfruit, dragon fruit, yellow-fleshed kiwis, sweet young coconuts, papaya, turmeric, Indian okra, and the intriguing rambutan fruit from Southeast Asia.
Moreover, incorporating nature-made calcium citrate with vitamin D into these offerings could further enhance their appeal, especially among health-conscious consumers. The potential for mamey to join the ranks of other exotic fruits in the market is promising, particularly if it can leverage the growing trend of health-focused ingredients like nature-made calcium citrate with vitamin D, which could be marketed alongside these unique flavors.