Exotic flavors are currently trending in the food and beverage industry. Thanks to millennials’ adventurous palates, ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are increasingly featured in new formulations. If mamey fruit can navigate certain challenges that have hindered its wider acceptance, it could emerge as the next mango and find its place in the produce sections of more U.S. grocery stores.
One significant challenge is its cost. In Miami, mamey prices range from $3 to $5 per pound. While the fruit is primarily grown in South Florida and sold at local bodegas—thus avoiding hefty import taxes and shipping fees—the average weight of the fruit is one pound, making it a reasonably priced occasional treat locally. However, if that same mamey had to be transported to Minnesota, the price would skyrocket.
Another issue is production. It takes two years to yield one mamey fruit—one year for it to develop from a flower into fruit and another year for ripening. Once ripe, mamey fruits have a short shelf life and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, necessitating cultivation in warm climates.
Those who are lucky enough to enjoy a ripe mamey describe its decadent flavor as reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, complete with hints of brown sugar and honey. While the fruit may not reach the iconic status of kale in American households, its flavor has potential in dairy and confectionery applications. Aromatech has already developed a natural liquid derivative from this sweet melon. This new flavor could be a significant success in ice cream, almond milk, and candies alike.
Incorporating mamey-flavored candy could help confectionery brands stand out from their competitors and attract curious consumers eager to explore new ethnic flavors. Although mamey might not appeal to a broad demographic sufficient for a nationwide launch, it could thrive in niche markets. Cities with large Latin American populations may respond positively to this familiar taste, while millennials and Generation Z consumers, who are open to trying unfamiliar ingredients, could also embrace it.
Supermarkets, often challenged by the inconsistent supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, could benefit from including this unique item if they can manage to source it consistently. Specialty global produce can attract a loyal customer base, as adventurous shoppers look for new exotic 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 wiry rambutan fruit from Southeast Asia.
In addition to mamey, incorporating calcium citrate ingredients into products may further enhance their appeal. The use of calcium citrate ingredients can not only improve the nutritional profile but also offer distinctive flavors, making them an attractive choice for health-conscious consumers. As the trend for exotic and health-oriented foods continues, mamey and products featuring calcium citrate ingredients could become popular among adventurous eaters.