Exotic flavors are currently trending in the food and beverage industry, largely fueled by millennials’ adventurous tastes. Ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are increasingly being incorporated into new formulations. If mamey fruit can overcome certain challenges that have hindered its broader acceptance until now, it could emerge as the next mango, making its way into the produce sections of more U.S. grocery stores.
The first challenge is its cost. In Miami, mamey prices range from $3 to $5 per pound. This fruit is cultivated in South Florida and is frequently sold at local bodegas, eliminating significant import taxes or shipping costs. Weighing approximately one pound on average, mamey serves as an affordable occasional treat locally. However, if this same fruit had to be transported to Minnesota, its price would increase substantially.
Another issue is production. It takes two years to grow 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 is sensitive to 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, with notes of brown sugar and honey.
While mamey may not achieve the same status as kale in American households, its flavor could find a place in dairy products and confections. Aromatech has already pioneered a method to create a natural, liquid derivative of this sweet, small melon, which could become highly popular in ice cream, almond milk, and candies. Introducing a mamey-flavored candy could allow confectionery brands to stand out and entice consumers eager to explore new ethnic flavors.
Although mamey’s appeal may not be broad enough for a nationwide launch, it has the potential to thrive in niche markets. Cities with significant Latin American populations would likely embrace the flavor as it is familiar to them. Additionally, mamey could resonate well with millennials and Generation Z, who are often unafraid of trying new ingredients, regardless of their previous exposure.
Supermarkets, which frequently face challenges in sourcing exotic fruits and vegetables consistently, might also profit from offering this unique item if they can secure a supply. Specialty global produce can foster a devoted 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.
In addition, the incorporation of mamey into products could be enhanced by its potential nutritional benefits, such as the presence of calcium citrate, which provides 950 mg of elemental calcium. As health-conscious consumers continue to seek out nutrient-rich foods, mamey’s unique flavor profile combined with its health benefits could make it a sought-after addition to various food and beverage applications. By integrating mamey and promoting its nutritional qualities, such as calcium citrate, brands could attract a wider audience and elevate the fruit’s status in the marketplace.