In an era defined by mindful choices and a growing demand for healthier, more sustainable lifestyles, women entrepreneurs are leading the way in reimagining everyday habits including how we drink. At the forefront is ‘Khoki’, a bold new brand founded by Vandana Banerjee, offering premium, non-grape wines made entirely from fruit.
Her journey took her from social gatherings in the UK to vineyards in Spain and Germany, where she discovered the art of fruit winemaking. What began as a personal quest has become ‘Khoki United Ltd.’, a trailblazing brand that champions conscious consumption, inclusion, and taste.
Speaking to Asian Voice about her personal journey, Vandana shared, “I was dealing with health issues, and as a mother and carer, I found the non-alcoholic drink choices severely limited, usually just sparkling water or sugary soft drinks. That’s when I began to wonder: there must be others like me looking for healthier, more meaningful alternatives. After Covid, people became more conscious of wellness and fruit consumption. I thought, why not drink fruit? In 2021, I travelled across the Gulf, Europe, India, and South Asia to research beverage trends and met producers creating innovative, natural, fruit-based drinks. I realised there was not only demand from consumers but also an opportunity to support farmers and tackle food waste. That’s how Khoki was born, crafting delicious, fermented fruit beverages that align with the global rise of low- and no-alcohol lifestyles. After a year of research and sampling, we registered the company in November 2023 and began trading in 2024. The response has been incredible.”
Believing that women-led businesses are uniquely positioned to lead in mindful consumption and clean living, Vandana told, “Women carry a significant emotional and physical load, whether at home, work, or in society. That’s why initiatives led by women, especially those focused on health, wellbeing, and inclusion, hold a special kind of power. My mission with Khoki is to build trust, especially among women. We want to feel safe, seen, and supported in our choices, to enjoy something that tastes good and feels good without worrying about hidden ingredients or side effects. As someone in my 50s, I know how hard it is, particularly during menopause, to feel included at social occasions. Even one glass of wine can feel like too much. A better choice for women who want to socialise without compromise, to feel relaxed, confident, and well. It’s more than a drink; it’s an invitation to feel empowered.
“I’ve found inspiration from women across the world who are changing the game”
Reflecting on the mentors who inspired her, Vandana told, “As a woman entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, I’ve often been the only woman in the room. But I’ve also found powerful inspiration from women across the world who are changing the game, like female winemakers in Spain who grow and produce their own wines, and a remarkable entrepreneur in Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, who crafts 0% kiwi wine while empowering her village community. Meeting her was a turning point for me.”
She added, “While most of my clients are men, I don’t enter this space to compete, I come as a consumer and as a voice for those who’ve been overlooked. My mission is to offer better, healthier choices and build a more inclusive, conscious drinking culture, one where everyone feels welcome.”
Offering advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs, Vandana shared, “I spent 15 years in advertising and another 15 in education, including teaching children with special needs. Then, unexpectedly, I stepped into the beverage industry, with no prior experience in food and drink, imports, or trade. I started from scratch. But by taking small, determined steps, I now stand confidently in a field that’s incredibly tough, especially for newcomers and women.”
She added, “What keeps me going is the belief that people are ready for healthier, more conscious alternatives — and they’re responding. To any woman with an idea: don’t give up. If you see a gap, pursue it with everything you have. Every step matters, even if it feels small. Change begins with action.”
Vandana also credits her daughter Aditi for being part of the journey. “When she told me, ‘Mom, thank you for creating something so good,’ I knew this was more than a product — it’s about making people feel seen, included, and empowered. That’s the real impact I want to make.”
