In an inspiring journey from international aviation kitchens to Kerala’s fertile soil, Chef Lalu Thomas is redefining the future of functional beverages with his innovative brand, Labae Mushroom Coffee. Backed by 15 years of global culinary experience with Etihad Airways and major UAE airports, he is now leading a breakthrough movement that connects health, agriculture, and global markets.
A Fusion of Health and Taste: ‘Functional Coffee’
More than just a beverage, Labae Mushroom Coffee is a Vitamin D2-enriched ‘superfood.’ The unique formulation is designed to address the growing global deficiency of Vitamin D by combining premium Triple-A Grade Arabica coffee with powerful medicinal mushroom extracts.
Lion’s Mane: Enhances cognitive function and mental focus.
Turkey Tail: Known for its potent immunity-boosting properties.
Oyster & Milky Mushrooms: Provide essential nutrients for overall physical energy and vitality.
By blending world-class coffee beans with these medicinal mushrooms, Chef Lalu Thomas has created a holistic wellness solution for the modern lifestyle.
Scientific Excellence and Government Recognition
The credibility of the Labae brand is reinforced by strong institutional support. The product was developed with technical guidance from CSIR-NIIST (National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology) and under the supervision of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kollam. Highlighting its potential, the startup has been selected for the second stage of KERA AgriNext, a prestigious agricultural innovation initiative by the Government of Kerala.
‘Koongramam’: Empowering the Local Farming Community
Beyond business success, Lalu Thomas is deeply committed to social impact through his ‘Koongramam’ (Mushroom Village) initiative:
- Women Empowerment: Collaborating with Amrita University to provide mushroom cultivation training for women in tribal communities.
- Indian Army Recognition: In a rare achievement, the brand gained significant recognition by participating in an Indian Army exhibition, showcasing the potential of mushroom-based innovations.
- Youth Development: Conducting workshops for school students to nurture the next generation of agri-entrepreneurs.
Kerala Innovation on the Global Stage
Labae Mushroom Coffee has already made its mark in international markets, including the United States, and is available on major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. The brand’s international-standard packaging and premium branding reflect the founder’s exposure to global quality standards.
“My goal is to ensure that the hard work of Kerala’s farmers receives the value it deserves in the global market,” says Lalu Thomas.
Through Chefbae Mushroom Products Pvt Ltd, this former expat chef is offering the world a healthier lifestyle rooted in the soil of Kerala.
www.labaeproduts.com , 00917025420328 , labaeproducts@gmail.com
