BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach - 18 July 2023 - The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) is venturing into uncharted territory with the launch of M*U Beverage, a new business venture under the brand name "M*U". Guided by the vision to bring smarter hydration to people worldwide through exceptional products that both refresh and nourish them, the product lineup contains two types of drinks: M*U NØR Natural Alkaline Mineral Water and M*U functional beverages, which will come in 5 flavors.

Miss Universe launches M*U Beverage, featuring Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, Chief Executive Officer of JKN Global Group Public Company Limited, and the owner of The Miss Universe Organization and R'Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe 2022

Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, Chief Executive Officer of JKN Global Group Public Company Limited, and the owner of The Miss Universe Organization, said: "The Miss Universe brand is universal – forever evolving beyond the limits of our imagination. M*U Beverage is the first Miss Universe branded product line that espouses our original values: empowering women to realize their ambition and build self-confidence as a catalyst for future success."

"In today's fast-paced world, access to quality beverages is essential for a better and healthier life. M*U Beverage understands that drinks play a vital role in daily sustenance, and we aim to offer a vast variety of daily quenchers to uplift daily life. With this mission in mind, we have created a line of premium hydrations. We worked alongside nutritionists and natural ingredients experts to research, test, and produce products that energize, refresh, and rejuvenate minds and bodies," added Anne.

M*U functional drinks are made from natural ingredients, containing zero caffeine, no sugar, no preservatives and less than 45 kcal/bottle. They are currently available in 5 variations:

• Zen: Green tea & yuzu flavor, made with calming magnesium, L-Theanine, and GABA to ease anxiety and stress.
• Immune: Lemon flavor, made with Vitamin C and astragalus to boost the immune system.
• Focus: Berry flavor, made with branch chain amino acids to help support cognitive function and focus.
• Happy: Raspberry & mint flavor, made with Vitamin B complex and calming magnesium for mood and productivity.
• Fiber +: Pineapple & coconut flavor, fortified with fiber to keep you fuller throughout the day.

M*U Beverage is also excited to launch M*U NØR Natural Alkaline Mineral Water, the first alkaline water offered in a bespoke glass bottle and bottled in Thailand. Sourced from the pristine springs of Reykjavik, Iceland, where the mineral water is some of the cleanest and purest in the world, M*U NØR Natural Alkaline Mineral Water is perpetually replenished with glacier melt from the Olfus spring that has been filtered through layers of lava rock. With a pH of 8.4, M*U NØR is the epitome of freshness, offering remarkable health benefits through the presence of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium.

Miss Universe Delegates from 8 countries joined the launching event

M*U Beverage recognizes the increasing demand for alkaline waters and functional drinks in international markets. Due to consumers' increasing health awareness post-pandemic, health-conscious consumers are seeking benefits such as boosts in hydration, energy, and immunity in functional beverages.

Market analysis reveals the tremendous growth potential and emerging trends in these sectors:

• The global functional drinks market was worth US$204.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% from 2023 to 2030.
• The global premium bottled water market is expected to reach US$33.40 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 7.0% from 2023 to 2030. Growing awareness of leading a healthy lifestyle has led to a shift in consumer preferences towards premium bottled water options, driven by concerns over high sugar content and sweeteners in carbonated drinks. The presence of essential minerals further drives the demand for premium bottled water.