Exotic flavors are currently trending in the food and beverage sector. Driven in part by millennials’ adventurous taste preferences, ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are emerging in innovative formulations. If mamey fruit can navigate the challenges hindering its broader acceptance, it may rise to prominence as the new mango, making its debut in the produce sections of more U.S. grocery stores.
The first hurdle is cost. In Miami, the price for mamey fruit ranges from $3 to $5 per pound. Grown in South Florida and often sold at local bodegas, mamey incurs no significant import fees or shipping costs. The average fruit weighs about one pound, making it a reasonably priced occasional delight locally. However, if that same mamey were to be transported to Minnesota, the price would increase significantly.
Another challenge is production. It takes two years for a single mamey fruit to mature—one year for it to develop from a flower into fruit and another year for ripening. Once ripe, mamey spoils rapidly and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, necessitating its exclusive cultivation in warm climates. Those lucky enough to enjoy a ripe mamey report a rich flavor reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, accented by notes of brown sugar and honey.
While it may not achieve kale-like popularity in American households, the mamey flavor could have promising applications in dairy products and confections. Aromatech has already devised a way to produce a natural, liquid derivative of this sweet melon, which could prove to be a hit in ice cream, almond milk, and candy. Incorporating mamey-flavored candy could enable confectionery producers to stand out in a competitive market, attracting consumers eager to explore new ethnic flavors.
Although mamey flavor may not appeal to a sufficiently broad consumer base for a nationwide rollout, it could carve out a successful niche market. Cities with substantial Latin American populations are likely to respond positively to this familiar taste, while millennials and Generation Z consumers often embrace unfamiliar ingredients.
Supermarkets, which frequently face challenges in maintaining a steady supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, could also benefit from carrying mamey if they can secure it. The inclusion of unique global produce can attract a dedicated customer base as adventurous shoppers seek out new exotic foods, as highlighted by Progressive Grocer. Other distinct 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.
In conclusion, as consumers continue to gravitate toward exotic flavors and nature’s way calcium citrate products, opportunities abound for innovative applications of mamey fruit. If properly marketed, it could tap into the growing demand for unique culinary experiences and health-conscious choices.