A Proud Moment for Indian Craft Brewing
KOCHI India and NORWICH England witnessed a historic moment for Indian craft beverages as MALAYALI Beer, founded by Chandramohan Nallur and Sargheve Sukumaran, claimed Gold in the Lager category and Bronze in the Non Alcoholic Czech Style category at the World Beer Awards Two Thousand Twenty Five. For a young brand that began its journey just three years ago, this recognition places MALAYALI Beer among the finest breweries in the world and signals a new era for Indian owned beverage startups on the global stage.
The awards ceremony in Norwich brought together some of the most respected names in brewing, many with histories stretching back over a century. Against this strong competition, MALAYALI Beer stood out for its quality, originality, and clear cultural identity. The judges praised the balance, freshness, and character of the beers, qualities that reflect the founders deep respect for both tradition and innovation.
Founders With Global Dreams and Kerala Roots
Chandramohan Nallur and Sargheve Sukumaran hail from Kerala, a land known for its rich culture, food heritage, and entrepreneurial spirit. Today, both founders are based in Poland, but their hearts remain closely tied to their homeland. That emotional connection has shaped the identity of MALAYALI Beer, a brand that proudly carries the spirit of Kerala into every bottle and can.
Their vision was never limited to creating another beverage. From the beginning, they wanted to tell a story of resilience, migration, and pride. As marketing experts by profession, the founders understood how powerful a strong narrative could be. They combined that storytelling ability with a serious commitment to brewing excellence, resulting in a brand that feels authentic and aspirational at the same time.
An Idea Born During a Time of Crisis
The journey of MALAYALI Beer began during Operation Ganga, India evacuation mission amid the Russia Ukraine conflict. During this turbulent period, the founders were closely involved in problem solving and logistics related to global trade disruptions. One such challenge involved five containers of parboiled rice flakes imported by KS Global in Uttar Pradesh. Originally meant for cereal production, the rice flakes had no buyers due to market uncertainty caused by the war.
Instead of viewing this as a setback, Chandramohan and Sargheve saw opportunity. They began brainstorming ways to use the rice creatively and sustainably. This necessity driven innovation laid the foundation for MALAYALI Beer. The use of Indian rice, combined with Czech hops, resulted in a unique flavor profile that would later win international acclaim.
A Unique Brewing Philosophy
MALAYALI Beer stands out for its thoughtful brewing approach. By blending Indian rice with carefully selected Czech hops, the brand creates beers that are light, crisp, and globally appealing while still rooted in Indian ingredients. This fusion reflects the founders own lives as global Indians who respect multiple cultures and traditions.
Quality remains at the core of everything they do. From ingredient selection to brewing techniques and packaging, the founders insist on high standards. This focus on detail has helped MALAYALI Beer gain trust in international markets where consumers are highly discerning and competition is intense.
World Beer Awards Recognition
Winning Gold in the Lager category is a significant achievement, as lagers are among the most competitive styles in the world. The Bronze award in the Non Alcoholic Czech Style category further highlights the brand versatility and technical expertise. These wins demonstrate that MALAYALI Beer is not limited to one segment but can deliver excellence across categories.
For Chandramohan Nallur, the recognition carries emotional weight. He has described the win as a victory for everyone who dares to dream beyond borders. To be acknowledged by the World Beer Awards within three years of launch reinforces the belief that passion, discipline, and clarity of purpose can overcome even the biggest challenges.
Sargheve Sukumaran echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the pride of competing with long established breweries and emerging as a standout newcomer. Launching the brand in Kerala around the same time as receiving global recognition made the moment even more special for both founders.
Rapid Global Expansion Across Continents
Founded in Two Thousand Twenty Two, MALAYALI Beer has expanded rapidly and is now available in more than twenty one countries. The brand has seen strong success in markets such as the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and across Europe. Year on year sales growth of around thirty percent reflects rising demand and growing brand loyalty.
A major milestone came with the launch at Cochin International Airport duty free, marking a proud homecoming for the brand. This was followed closely by another duty free launch at Muscat Duty Free in Oman at the end of August Two Thousand Twenty Five. These airport launches not only boost visibility but also position MALAYALI Beer as a premium global product.
Currently, the brand is present at three major international airport duty free locations, a rare achievement for a young beverage startup. This makes MALAYALI Beer one of the fastest growing beer brands in the world today.
Strong Focus on India and the GCC Region
While MALAYALI Beer continues to grow globally, India remains a key focus. The founders are actively expanding distribution across major Indian states, aiming to build a strong domestic presence alongside international success. For them, success feels incomplete without recognition and reach in their homeland.
In the Gulf Cooperation Council region, the brand is placing special emphasis on its non alcoholic offering, MALAYALI Habibi. This product has been designed specifically to meet the preferences and regulations of the region while offering a healthier alternative to many existing beverages.
MALAYALI Habibi Redefines Non Alcoholic Beverages
MALAYALI Habibi is a pure zero alcohol malt beverage with zero sugar, zero fat, and zero salt. With only twenty five kilocalories, it positions itself as a healthier choice compared to most non alcoholic beverages currently available in the GCC. This clear health focused positioning has resonated strongly with consumers looking for mindful lifestyle options.
The founders have stated that promoting MALAYALI Habibi across the entire GCC is one of their top priorities. Its clean profile, refreshing taste, and cultural branding make it suitable for a wide audience, from young professionals to families.
In markets like the United Arab Emirates, the brand also sells its alcoholic variants through Grey Mackenzie stores, ensuring accessibility for a broad consumer base while respecting local norms and regulations.
Coz of highly in demand, Malayali Habibi is available in GCC region at all Lulu hypermarkets.
The Complete MALAYALI Beer Portfolio
The MALAYALI Beer range currently includes MALAYALI Premium Lager, MALAYALI Power, and MALAYALI Habibi. Each variant caters to a different audience while maintaining consistent quality and brand identity.
MALAYALI Premium Lager is known for its smooth and balanced character. MALAYALI Power offers a bolder profile for those seeking a stronger experience. MALAYALI Habibi, on the other hand, appeals to health conscious consumers and those who prefer non alcoholic options without compromising on taste.
Together, these products reflect the founders belief that a brand can be inclusive, innovative, and proudly rooted in culture at the same time.
Yakshi Vodka Inspired by Kerala Heritage
Looking beyond beer, the founders are preparing to launch Yakshi, a single malt vodka inspired by their roots in Palakkad, Kerala. Yakshi is crafted from the residual by products of the distillation process used in their zero alcohol beer, MALAYALI Habibi, making it a thoughtful and sustainable extension of their portfolio.
The name and inspiration come from the iconic Yakshi statue at Malampuzha, a symbol deeply embedded in Kerala cultural memory. With Yakshi, the founders aim to bring another piece of their heritage to a global audience while continuing to innovate within the beverage space.
Startup Spirit and Marketing Excellence
Chandramohan Nallur and Sargheve Sukumaran describe themselves as marketing wizards, but their success goes far beyond clever branding. Their startup journey reflects sharp decision making, adaptability, and the courage to act during uncertain times.
From turning surplus rice flakes into a globally awarded beer to navigating international regulations and distribution networks, every step has required resilience and learning. Their lifestyle today reflects the rewards of this hard work, but they openly acknowledge the struggles and risks that came before success.
Vision for the Future
By the end of Two Thousand Twenty Five, MALAYALI Beer plans to expand into North America, Oceania, and Southeast Asia. With growing brand recognition and award backed credibility, these markets present exciting opportunities for further growth.
The founders remain committed to brewing with purpose and pride. For them, MALAYALI Beer is not just a business but a movement that celebrates identity, unity, and global ambition. Their story continues to inspire young entrepreneurs, especially those from India, to think beyond borders and believe that world class success is possible from any corner of the globe.
As MALAYALI Beer continues its journey, its recent triumph at the World Beer Awards stands as proof that a strong vision, rooted in culture and driven by quality, can truly make a global impact.
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