A Hardy to distribute Kai Spirits in US

A Hardy is to assume distribution of Kai Spirits in the US. Based in Hawaii, Kai Vodka offers a collection of six premium rice-based spirits. These include Kai Vodka, Kai Lychee, Kai Lemongrass, Kai Coconut Pandan, Kai Lemongrass Ginger Shochu-Soju and Kai Young Coconut Shochu-Soju.

Multiple award-winning Kai is distilled from rice harvested in the Delta, and is manufactured just outside of Ho Chi Minh City. The recipe is based on a 300-year-old formula. The rice is distilled five times, resulting in a flavourful vodka and shochu, with a sweet rice finish. All Kai Sprits are 100% gluten-free, helping to broaden its appeal to a much wider variety of vodka consumers. Additionally, Kai’s coconut flavours are made with pure coconut water, rich in electrolytes and healthy minerals.

A Hardy USA president Mark Levinson states that because the Kai Vodka flavours are Asian-inspired, they provide the perfect main ingredient for Asian-style Tiki drinks: “Younger consumers, as well as established consumers, are increasingly interested in experiencing new and unique spirits. Kai Vodka has generated ‘buzz’ because it is so fundamentally different from common wheat or potato-based vodkas, is all-natural, and lends itself perfectly to a variety of Asian-inspired cocktails. Kai Vodka has gained significant name recognition in the Western states, so our plan is to place our marketing and distribution emphasis on the remainder of the US.”

Marcus Bender, founder of Kai Vodka LLC, and Amy Bender, director of sales, say: “We will work with the distributors to do the personal selling required to educate the consumer about what sets Kai apart, and explain why each one of our products are so special.”

Kai Vodka is 40%abv. Kai Lychee, Kai Lemongrass, and Kai Coconut Pandan are 35%abv.  Kai Lemongrass Ginger Shochu and Kai Young Coconut Shochu are 24%abv. Average retail price is US$24.99.

23 June 2014 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor