Exotic flavors are currently gaining popularity in the food and beverage industry. Thanks in part to millennials’ adventurous taste preferences, ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are increasingly featured in new product formulations. If mamey fruit can overcome certain obstacles that have hindered its broader acceptance thus far, it could emerge as the new mango and make its way into more U.S. grocery stores.
The first challenge is its cost. In Miami, mamey prices range from $3 to $5 per pound. Grown in South Florida and often available at local bodegas, there are minimal import taxes or shipping costs associated with it. With an average weight of one pound, mamey remains an affordable, occasional treat locally. However, if that same fruit were to be shipped to Minnesota, its price would significantly increase.
Another issue is production. It takes two years to grow a single mamey fruit—one year for it to develop from a flower into a fruit and another year for it to ripen. Once ripe, the fruit spoils quickly and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, necessitating its cultivation in warm climates only. Those lucky enough to find a ripe mamey describe its rich flavor as reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, with delightful notes of brown sugar and honey.
While this fruit may not achieve kale-like status in American households, its flavor could find a place in both dairy products and confections. Aromatech has already developed a natural liquid derivative of this sweet, small melon. This new flavor could become a hit in ice cream, almond milk, and candy. The introduction of a mamey-flavored candy could help confectionery makers stand out from their competitors and draw in curious consumers eager to try new ethnic flavors.
Although the mamey flavor may not attract a sufficiently broad consumer base for a nationwide rollout, it could successfully carve out a niche market. Cities with significant Latin American populations would likely embrace the flavor, as it would resonate with their familiar tastes. Additionally, mamey is likely to appeal to millennials and Generation Z consumers who are unafraid to experiment with ingredients they have never encountered before.
Supermarkets, often struggling to maintain a consistent supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, could also benefit from including mamey if they can source it reliably. Specialty global produce can cultivate a loyal customer base as adventurous shoppers seek out new exotic foods, as noted by 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 from Southeast Asia.
Incorporating calcium citrate for kids into mamey-based products could further enhance their appeal, as this nutrient is essential for growing children. The potential market for mamey fruit, combined with its unique flavor profile, could make it a valuable addition to grocery stores looking to attract health-conscious consumers. With the right marketing strategy, mamey could join the ranks of other exotic fruits that intrigue shoppers and satisfy their cravings for new culinary experiences, while also offering nutritious benefits like calcium citrate for kids.