Vietnam’s gluten-free Kai Spirits appoints US distributor

Kai Spirits, a rice-based, gluten-free vodka and shochu produced in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, plans to extend its presence in the US through a new distribution partnership.

Kai Spirits’ range of gluten free vodka and shochu will be handled by A. Hardy in the US

The six-strong range of premium rice spirits, five-times distilled from rice harvested in the Delta region, has secured distribution in the US through A. Hardy USA, which also looks after Ireland’s Dingle Gin and Thatcher’s Vodka.

Varieties available include Kai Vodka (40% abv), Lai Lychee, Lai Lemongrass, Kai Coconut Pandan (all 35% abv), Kai Lemongrass Ginger Shochu-Soju and Kai Young Coconut Shochu-Soju (both 24% abv).

Kai Spirits claims all six products are gluten-free, which helps “broaden its appeal to a much wider variety of vodka consumers”.

Mark Levinson, president of A. Hardy USA, said: “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.”

The range is available for an RRP of US$24.99.