Meghan Markle gifted her friends jars of her homemade strawberry jam from her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. The recipients, including Tracy Robbins and Delfina Blaquier, posted their gifts on Instagram, generating buzz and anticipation for the brand. The hand-numbered jars featured luxurious packaging, adding to the exclusivity of the product. However, as of now, the jam is not available for sale, with only a waitlist option on the brand’s website.
The mysterious launch strategy of American Riviera Orchard mirrors Meghan Markle’s previous ventures, such as the underwhelming “Archetypes” podcast. The question arises as to why the brand would announce its existence without a product available for sale. The success of the brand will depend on its ability to attract American consumers. With connections to powerful Americans such as Netflix’s CEO Ted Sarandos and Oprah Winfrey, the brand has potential for success, but it remains to be seen if it can resonate with a broader audience.
In the UK, where Meghan Markle and Prince Harry face intense media scrutiny, the launch of American Riviera Orchard garnered attention from British tabloids. The Daily Mail, known for its critical coverage of the couple, surprisingly published a positive assessment of the brand’s soft launch. Marketing expert Nick Ede praised the focus on the product rather than the celebrity behind it. However, the lack of website content left many observers puzzled.
Despite the initial intrigue surrounding American Riviera Orchard, the brand’s long-term success remains uncertain. While Meghan Markle’s connections and celebrity status may help generate interest, ultimately, the brand will need to deliver a product that resonates with consumers. The waitlist strategy has generated curiosity but also frustration among potential customers. Whether the brand can overcome these challenges and establish a strong presence in the market remains to be seen.
