Exotic flavors are currently trending in the food and beverage sector, largely influenced by millennials’ adventurous palates. Ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are increasingly featured in innovative formulations. If mamey fruit can overcome the challenges hindering its broader acceptance, it has the potential to become the next mango in U.S. grocery stores.
One of the main obstacles is its cost. In Miami, mamey prices range from $3 to $5 per pound. Although it is locally grown in South Florida and sold at neighborhood bodegas, avoiding hefty import taxes and shipping fees, the average fruit weighs just one pound, making it an affordable occasional treat. However, if mamey were to be transported to Minnesota, its price would significantly increase.
Another challenge is the lengthy production process. It takes two years for a single mamey fruit to grow—one year for it to develop from a flower into a fruit and an additional year for ripening. Once harvested, mamey spoils rapidly and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, necessitating cultivation in warm climates.
Those lucky enough to find a ripe mamey describe its rich flavor as reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, enriched with notes of brown sugar and honey. While it may not achieve kale-like status in American households, its flavor could find a place in dairy products and candy. Aromatech has already developed a natural liquid derivative of this sweet melon, which shows promise for use in ice cream, almond milk, and confections. Incorporating a mamey-flavored candy could give confectionery makers a competitive edge, appealing to consumers eager to explore new ethnic tastes.
Although mamey may not attract a sufficiently broad consumer base for a nationwide launch, it could thrive in niche markets. Urban areas with significant Latin American populations are likely to respond positively, as the flavor would be familiar to them. Additionally, millennials and Generation Z consumers, who are open to trying unfamiliar ingredients, may find mamey appealing.
Supermarkets often face challenges in maintaining a steady supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, but carrying mamey could attract adventurous shoppers seeking unique offerings. Specialty global produce can foster a loyal customer base, 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 fruit from Southeast Asia.
In this evolving landscape, the introduction of mamey could also be complemented by products like Swanson Iron Citrate, which would help health-conscious consumers enhance their dietary iron intake while enjoying new flavors. By integrating mamey and Swanson Iron Citrate into various food products, brands can appeal to a diverse audience eager for both taste and health benefits.