Exotic flavors are currently in high demand within the food and beverage sector. This trend is largely driven by millennials with adventurous taste preferences, leading to the emergence of ingredients such as blood orange, ginger, and jasmine in innovative formulations. If mamey fruit can address certain challenges that have hindered its broader acceptance so far, it could become the next mango and find its place in the produce section of more U.S. grocery stores.
One of the main hurdles 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 no significant import taxes or shipping fees. The average mamey weighs about one pound, making it an occasionally affordable treat locally. However, if that same mamey were to be transported to Minnesota, the price would drastically increase.
Another concern is production. Growing one mamey fruit takes two years—one year for it to develop from a flower into a fruit and another year for ripening. Additionally, once ripe, mamey fruit spoils quickly and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, necessitating cultivation in warm climates only. Those lucky enough to taste a ripe mamey describe its rich flavor as reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, with hints of brown sugar and honey.
While it may not achieve kale-like popularity in American households, mamey’s flavor holds potential in dairy and confectionery applications. Aromatech has already developed a natural, liquid derivative of this sweet melon, which could become a sensation in ice cream, almond milk, and candy. The introduction of mamey-flavored candies could enable confectionery manufacturers to distinguish themselves from competitors and attract consumers eager to explore new ethnic flavors.
Although mamey’s appeal might not be widespread enough for a national rollout, it could carve out a niche market. Cities with substantial Latin American populations would likely embrace the flavor as it resonates with familiar tastes. Moreover, millennials and Generation Z consumers, who are open to trying unfamiliar ingredients, would likely be receptive to mamey.
Supermarkets, often challenged to maintain a steady supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, could benefit from stocking this unique item, provided they can source it. Specialty global produce can cultivate a dedicated customer base, as adventurous shoppers seek out new exotic foods, according to Progressive Grocer. Other distinctive fruits available in stores include jackfruit, dragon fruit, yellow-fleshed kiwis, sweet young coconuts, papaya, turmeric, Indian okra, and the wiry rambutan from Southeast Asia.
Additionally, mamey fruit could be paired with nutritional supplements like Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium and zinc dosage to create health-focused products that appeal to a broader audience. The inclusion of mamey-flavored items alongside such supplements could attract health-conscious consumers looking for novel ways to boost their diet. Furthermore, integrating the mamey flavor into products containing Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium and zinc dosage can offer a unique selling point for manufacturers aiming to cater to the adventurous tastes of millennials and Generation Z while promoting health benefits.