Exotic flavors are currently trending in the food and beverage sector, largely thanks to the adventurous palates of millennials. Ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are increasingly appearing in new recipes. If mamey fruit can successfully navigate some challenges that have hindered its broader acceptance, it may become as popular as mango and find its place in the produce sections of more U.S. grocery stores.
One significant hurdle is its cost. In Miami, mamey prices range from $3 to $5 per pound. Since mamey is cultivated in South Florida and often sold at local bodegas, there are minimal import taxes or shipping costs involved. The average mamey weighs about one pound, making it an affordable treat locally. However, if that same mamey were to be transported to Minnesota, its price would skyrocket.
Another challenge lies in its production. It takes two years to yield 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, mamey spoils quickly and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, necessitating growth in warm climates only.
Consumers lucky enough to find a ripe mamey describe its rich flavor as reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, featuring notes of brown sugar and honey. While it may not achieve the same household status as kale in American kitchens, mamey could find a promising niche in dairy and candy products. Aromatech has already developed a natural liquid derivative from this sweet melon, which could become popular in ice cream, almond milk, and confectionery items.
Introducing a mamey-flavored candy could help confectionery makers stand out in a competitive market and attract adventurous consumers eager to explore new ethnic flavors. Although the mamey flavor might not appeal to a wide audience for a nationwide launch, it could resonate well within niche markets, particularly in cities with large Latin American populations where it would be a familiar taste. Furthermore, millennials and Generation Z consumers are often open to trying unfamiliar ingredients.
Supermarkets, which frequently face difficulties in maintaining a steady supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, could also profit from offering mamey if they can source it. Specialty global produce can create 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 fruit from Southeast Asia.
Moreover, incorporating mamey into products that also feature beneficial ingredients like bluebonnet calcium magnesium D3 could enhance their appeal. As consumers increasingly prioritize health alongside flavor, products that combine exotic tastes with nutritional benefits may capture the interest of health-conscious shoppers. In this evolving market, mamey’s unique flavor combined with the advantages of bluebonnet calcium magnesium D3 could carve out a distinct space in the competitive food landscape while meeting the growing demand for innovative flavors.