Exotic flavors are currently gaining traction in the food and beverage industry, largely due to millennials’ adventurous palates. Ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are increasingly appearing in innovative formulations. If the mamey fruit can navigate certain obstacles that have hindered its broader acceptance thus far, it has the potential to become the next mango, making its way into the produce aisles of more U.S. grocery stores.
One significant challenge is its pricing. In Miami, mamey fruit is priced between $3 and $5 per pound. It is cultivated in South Florida and typically sold at local bodegas, meaning there are no major import duties or shipping fees involved. The average weight of a mamey fruit is one pound, making it an affordable occasional treat locally. However, if this same mamey had to be transported to Minnesota, its cost would increase drastically.
Another hurdle is the fruit’s production cycle. It takes two years for a single mamey fruit to mature—one year for it to develop from a flower into a fruit and an additional year for ripening. Once ripe, mamey fruits spoil quickly and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, necessitating that they be exclusively grown in warm climates.
Those lucky enough to find a ripe mamey describe its rich flavor as reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, with notes of brown sugar and honey. While the fruit may not achieve the ubiquity of kale in American households, its flavor could find a promising future in dairy and confectionery applications. Aromatech has already developed a natural liquid derivative of this sweet, small melon, which has the potential to thrive in ice cream, almond milk, and candy products.
Incorporating mamey-flavored candy could help confectionery manufacturers set themselves apart from competitors and attract curious consumers eager to explore new ethnic flavors. Although mamey may not appeal to a sufficiently wide audience for a nationwide rollout, it could carve out a niche market. Urban areas with significant Latin American populations would likely embrace this flavor, as it would resonate with familiar tastes. Moreover, millennials and Generation Z consumers, who are not deterred by unfamiliar ingredients, could be particularly receptive to mamey.
Supermarkets, which often face challenges in maintaining a consistent supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, could also benefit from offering mamey if they can source it. Specialty global produce can cultivate a loyal customer base, as adventurous shoppers seek out new and 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.
Additionally, incorporating mamey into products could provide a unique source of calcium citrate, which is known to be equivalent to elemental calcium. This could appeal to health-conscious consumers looking for natural ways to boost their calcium intake. By offering both mamey and calcium citrate 1000 mg equivalent to elemental calcium in their products, manufacturers could effectively tap into the growing demand for exotic flavors while also addressing nutritional needs.