Q&A with Amy Bender | Kai Vodka
Tell us the story of Kai Vodka and how it’s evolved since its inception.
KAI was conceptualized with input from the Shilder Executive MBA team in 2005-2006. The intent was to honor a traditional Vietnamese rice spirit called ruou and bring it to Western consumers in the form of the first premium rice vodka. Kai Vodka and Kai Lychee Vodka debuted right here at home in Hawaii in 2007 with Gold Medals and Best in Show distinctions. Lychee has been our trademark, so to speak, ever since and Kai is found across the globe.
Why did you want to participate in this year’s UH Alumni Makers’ Market?
Last year’s event was delicious in all ways! Of course, it was a joy to see alumni and guests enjoy our cocktails, so we had to come back and share our newest creations. I also shopped till I dropped last year! My Christmas closet was full of unique gifts from Shidler makers, it was amazing. Everyone should be ready to leave with full bags and full bellies.
What can people expect from Kai Vodka at this year’s Makers’ Market?
Our new canned drinks will be showcased this year. We are really proud of our Kai Lychee Vodka Soda, which recently received a Double Gold Medal, and our Kai Lemongrass Ginger Vodka Soda too, which received Gold. Both will be available for guests. Canned cocktails are here to stay.
As a graduate of the UH Manoa Shidler College of Business, what advice do you have for current students interested in starting a business?
Know your niche. In the consumer goods world, it’s a constant fight for shelf space. Whether it’s food & beverages, apparel, or home goods, you need to have a reason for being and a point of difference that motivates the consumer to come back for more. In our case, we continue to exist as a small, family-owned and operated business and our unique origin, ingredients, and even name (KAI, being selected by the Shidler Executive MBA team) are our point of difference that allow us to thrive in an environment dominated by a hand full of companies huge portfolios and deep pockets. In the spirit of that statement, be ready to wear all hats as a business owner – being the boots on the ground gives you better understanding of what you’re doing and why you’re doing it.
What do you value most about your time at UH?
I recall being in Accounting Club with even non-accounting majors who were just genuine about their desire to be involved and active in the community. There was a wonderful mix of Kama‘aina, mainland and international students. I recall hanging out with people from Korea and Singapore, Illinois and Washington, it was truly a lot of fun.
Although my major (accounting) was very challenging for me, the professors were passionate and sincerely dedicated to my success. I appreciate the breadth of experience and backgrounds the Shidler professors came from. I also enjoyed being able to dive into artistic interests outside of Shidler to keep me balanced (Latin American Film, Arabic Language, etc.). The University of Hawaii is simply unparalleled.
If someone is trying Kai Vodka for the first time, what drink would you recommend and why?
Go to Tamura’s on Waialae Avenue and get yourself a bottle of our Kai Vodka (plain). Try it neat and at room temperature next to any other vodka – Tito’s, Kettle One, Grey Goose, anything – that’s how you can really appreciate the sweet, sake-like finish of our KAI. Our flavors are all amazing, and if you enjoy coconut water, note that our Coconut Pandan vodka and Young Coconut Shochu are made with coconut water… I like to joke that you can hydrate while imbibing.