Exotic flavors are currently gaining popularity in the food and beverage sector. This trend is largely driven by millennials’ adventurous taste preferences, leading to the emergence of ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine in new product formulations. If mamey fruit can navigate certain challenges that have hindered its broader acceptance, it could potentially become the next mango and find its place in the produce sections of more U.S. grocery stores.
One significant issue is its cost. In Miami, mamey prices range from $3 to $5 per pound. As mamey is cultivated in South Florida and often sold at local bodegas, it does not incur substantial import taxes or shipping fees. With an average weight of one pound, it serves as an affordable, occasional indulgence locally. However, if this same mamey were to be transported to Minnesota, its price would increase significantly.
Another challenge lies in production. Mamey fruit takes two years to produce: one year for it to develop from a flower into a fruit, and another year for it to ripen. Once ripe, mamey has a short shelf life and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, necessitating its growth in consistently warm climates. Those fortunate enough to taste a ripe mamey describe its rich flavor as reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, infused with notes of brown sugar and honey.
While mamey may not achieve the widespread popularity of kale in American households, its flavor holds promise for applications in dairy and confectionery. Aromatech has already devised a method to create a natural, liquid derivative of this sweet fruit, which could become a favorite in ice cream, almond milk, and candies. The introduction of a mamey-flavored candy could provide confectionery manufacturers with a unique selling point, appealing to adventurous consumers eager to explore new ethnic flavors.
Although the mamey flavor may not attract a large enough consumer base for a nationwide launch, it has the potential to become a hit in niche markets. Cities with significant Latin American populations are likely to embrace this familiar flavor, while millennials and Generation Z consumers, who are open to trying unfamiliar ingredients, may also show interest.
Supermarkets, which often face challenges in maintaining a steady supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, could benefit from adding mamey to their offerings if they can secure a reliable source. Specialty global produce can foster 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 fruit from Southeast Asia.
Moreover, incorporating mamey into products fortified with 100mg calcium citrate could enhance its appeal, particularly among health-conscious consumers. As awareness of the nutritional benefits of calcium citrate grows, the combination of mamey’s exotic flavor and its nutritional enhancements could attract even more adventurous eaters. Thus, the potential for mamey to carve out a niche in the market seems promising, especially if it can successfully combine its unique taste with added health benefits.