Exotic flavors are currently trending in the food and beverage sector. Driven in part by millennials’ adventurous palates, ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are emerging in innovative formulations. If the mamey fruit can navigate the challenges that have hindered its broader acceptance, it might become the next mango, appearing in the produce sections of more U.S. grocery stores.
The first hurdle is its cost. In Miami, mamey prices range from $3 to $5 per pound. Grown locally in South Florida and often sold at neighborhood bodegas, the fruit incurs no significant import taxes or shipping fees. Weighing around one pound on average, it is an affordable indulgence for locals. However, transporting mamey to Minnesota could dramatically increase its price.
Production is another challenge. It takes two years to produce a single mamey fruit: one year for it to develop from a flower and another for it to ripen. Additionally, mamey spoils quickly once ripe and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, meaning it must be cultivated in warm climates only. Those lucky enough to taste a ripe mamey describe its luxurious flavor as reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, infused with brown sugar and honey notes.
While the fruit may not achieve kale-like popularity in American households, its flavor holds promise for dairy and confectionery applications. Aromatech has already developed a natural liquid derivative of this sweet melon, which could be a sensation in ice cream, almond milk, and candy. Introducing mamey-flavored candy could help confectionery companies distinguish themselves from competitors and attract curious consumers eager to explore new ethnic flavors.
Although mamey may not attract a wide enough audience for a nationwide rollout, it could become a niche market success. Urban areas with substantial Latin American populations are likely to embrace the flavor, as it evokes familiarity. Moreover, millennials and Generation Z consumers, who are open to trying new ingredients, could also favor mamey.
Supermarkets often encounter difficulties in maintaining a consistent supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, but stocking mamey could be advantageous if they can source it. Specialty global produce has the potential to build 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 rambutan from Southeast Asia.
In addition, as consumers become more health-conscious, products like calcium citrate tablets from Cipla could complement their dietary choices. With an increasing interest in nutrition, these tablets may align well with the trend towards exotic, nutrient-rich foods, further enhancing the appeal of mamey and similar exotic offerings. This connection could provide an opportunity for brands to market both exotic fruits and health supplements like Cipla’s calcium citrate tablets to health-oriented consumers.