Exotic flavors are currently trending in the food and beverage sector, largely driven by the adventurous taste preferences of millennials. Ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are emerging in innovative formulations. If the mamey fruit can overcome certain hurdles that have hindered its broader acceptance, it could become the next mango and find its place in the produce sections of more U.S. grocery stores.
The first challenge is cost. In Miami, mamey prices range from $3 to $5 per pound. Grown in South Florida and often sold at local bodegas, this fruit incurs no significant import taxes or shipping costs. Weighing an average of one pound, it is an affordable, occasional indulgence locally. However, if that same mamey had to be transported to Minnesota, its price would significantly increase.
Another issue is production time. It takes two years to yield one mamey fruit—one year for it to grow from a flower to a fruit, and another year for it to ripen. Once ripe, it spoils quickly and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, requiring it to be cultivated exclusively in warm climates. Those lucky enough to find a ripe one describe its decadent flavor as reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, enriched with notes of brown sugar and honey.
While mamey may not reach kale-like popularity in American households, its flavor holds promise for applications in dairy and candy. Aromatech has developed a natural, liquid derivative of this sweet, small melon, which could potentially become a hit in ice cream, almond milk, and candy products. Introducing a mamey-flavored candy could help confectioners stand out in a competitive market, appealing to curious consumers eager to explore new ethnic flavors.
Although the mamey flavor may not attract a sufficiently broad consumer base for a nationwide rollout, it could thrive in niche markets. Cities with sizable Latin American populations would likely welcome the flavor, as it would resonate with familiar tastes. Additionally, millennials and Generation Z consumers, who are open to ingredients they haven’t previously encountered, could drive interest in mamey.
Supermarkets, which often face challenges in maintaining a consistent supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, would benefit from stocking this unique item if they can secure a steady source. Specialty global produce can cultivate a loyal customer base as adventurous shoppers seek new exotic foods, according to Progressive Grocer. Other unique fruits found in stores include jackfruit, dragon fruit, yellow-fleshed kiwis, sweet young coconuts, papaya, turmeric, Indian okra, and the wiry rambutan fruit from Southeast Asia.
As consumers celebrate the opportunity to try new flavors, there’s also room for products like calcium citrate chews to complement these exotic offerings, providing a nutritious boost to adventurous eaters. By integrating mamey into the marketplace alongside options like calcium citrate chews, retailers can enhance their appeal and meet the demand for exciting new tastes.