Exotic flavors are currently trending in the food and beverage industry, largely driven by the adventurous palates of millennials. Ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are emerging in innovative formulations. If mamey fruit can overcome some obstacles that have hindered its broader acceptance thus far, it might become the next mango and find its way into grocery store produce sections across the U.S.
The first challenge is its cost. In Miami, mamey prices range from $3 to $5 per pound. Grown in South Florida and often sold at local bodegas, mamey does not incur significant import taxes or shipping fees. With an average weight of one pound, it serves as an affordable, occasional treat locally. However, if that same mamey were to be transported to Minnesota, its price could skyrocket.
Another issue is production time. It takes two years for a mamey fruit to mature—one year for it to develop from a flower into a fruit and another year for it to ripen. Once ripe, the fruit has a short shelf life and cannot endure freezing temperatures, necessitating cultivation in warm climates. Those lucky enough to taste a ripe mamey describe its flavor as decadent, reminiscent of sweet potato casserole with hints of brown sugar and honey.
While it’s unlikely that mamey will achieve kale-like status in American households, its flavor has promising potential in dairy and candy applications. Aromatech has already developed a natural liquid derivative of this sweet, small melon, which could be a hit in ice cream, almond milk, and candy. Introducing mamey-flavored candy could enable confectionery makers to set themselves apart from the competition while appealing to consumers eager to explore new ethnic flavors.
Although the mamey flavor may not attract a wide enough audience for a national rollout, it could carve out a niche market. Cities with significant Latin American populations would likely welcome the flavor, as it would resonate with their cultural tastes. Additionally, millennials and Generation Z consumers, who are not deterred by unfamiliar ingredients, may also embrace mamey.
Supermarkets, which often face challenges in maintaining a steady supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, could benefit from offering mamey if they can secure a reliable source. Specialty global produce can attract a loyal customer base as adventurous shoppers seek out new 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 from Southeast Asia.
Incorporating mamey into various products could also complement dietary supplements like Citracal D Maximum, which supports calcium absorption. The potential for mamey to enhance flavors while promoting health benefits aligns well with current consumer trends focused on nutrition. With the right marketing and product innovation, mamey could establish a significant presence in the market, especially among health-conscious consumers interested in unique flavor experiences and supplements like Citracal D Maximum.