ROYAL fans have been eagerly awaiting the launch of Meghan Markle’s American Riviera Orchard brand, with jams and wines on the list of potential items so far.
While the promotional video resourceIt’s Meghan, Prince Harry is completely absent, suggesting the venture will be a solo project for Meghan.
A branding strategist suggested why this could be a key selling point for the Duchess of Sussex.
Lucie Green told Fabulous: “Speculative – but strategically it may be that there is no sense that she is leveraging a direct royal connection, or at least Harry is not, for commercial purposes.
“Additionally, she has credibility as a former lifestyle influencer and entrepreneur in this space. He does not know.
“She is building a new business based on her previous experiences and ventures.”
Previously, the Duchess of Sussex ran her now-defunct lifestyle blog The Tig, which featured recipes, travel guides and fashion, but she shut it down when she started falling in love Torment.
Lucie added: “I think she has more credibility and has historically leaned more towards lifestyle projects than Harry, who has remained primarily philanthropic in his focus.”
BY WOMEN, FOR WOMEN
Meghan teased the launch of American Riviera Orchard in March Instagramwhere the company bio says “by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex”.
Lucie said this could be key to creating a “for women, by women” narrative for the brand.
She continued: “I think she has always identified as a female entrepreneur and a businesswoman. And connected with other female leaders and celebrities on this basis.”
Additionally, the brand expert said Meghan “probably wants something that is her own and historically her brand.”
Lucie said: “Even in the early days of being a royal [she] it was rooted in being someone who had her own thing, her own interests, career and aspirations.”
BRAND DELAY
Meghan has yet to make a sale despite the initial excitement surrounding the promotion, and Lucie shared how the delay in the sale could be due to Meghan trying to find investors for the company.
Lucie shared: “It could be that she is still courting investment.
“If the brand is direct-to-consumer rather than wholesale, a substantial marketing budget will be required for consumer acquisition.
“It could be that the jams were the precursor and example to show the proof of concept to talent and investors.”
Although the website is not yet up and running, we have seen some items that can be offered to American Riviera Orchard.
MEGHAN’S PRODUCTS
So far, the Duchess of Sussex has sent branded strawberry jam to more than 50 friends and influencersincluding Chrissy Teigen, Heather Dorak, Tracy Robbins and Kris Jenner.
Meghan also sent two more products – raspberry jam and dog treats – to Prince Harrypolo friend Nacho Fig trees.
The Duchess of Sussex is planning to release a bottle of rosé and it will be the first item available for purchase by the public, according to the Daily mail.
Meghan is known for her fondness for alcoholic beverages, naming her now-defunct blog The Tig after her favorite wine, Tignanello, and drinking wine on her first date with Prince Harry in Soho Home in 2016.
What has Meghan Markle teased at American Riviera Orchard so far?
MEGHAN Markle launched her brand’s new Instagram page in March 2024, but no products are available for purchase yet.
Industry experts said the site will focus on home, food, gardening and lifestyle products.
Meghan kicked off the American Riviera Orchard promotion by sending 50 of the brand’s jams to friends and influencers.
Those who received a package included Chrissy Teigen, Heather Dorak, Tracy Robbins and Kris Jenner.
She later revealed two new products from her brand American Riviera Orchard, just hours before Trooping the Color.
Polo player and close friend of Prince Harry, Nacho Figueras received a jar of raspberry jam from the collection, as well as a jar of luxury dog biscuits for his dog.
If Meghan launches her own wine line, she would follow in the footsteps of countless celebrities who also own branded bottles, including Cameron Diaz, George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Kylie Minogue.
Jay-Z owned Armand de Brignac Champagne before selling a 50% stake for $300 million.
Meghan is expected to sell bed pillows, soapsdecor, fragrances, cookbooks and cookie mixes at American Rivera Orchard in due course.
A source said: “She’s been working on it for over a year and it’s all the things that are on her heart – all the things she’s passionate about.”
Many royal fans posted their excitement about the launch on social media, with one saying: “I’m so excited about these beautiful heavenly jellies from American Riviera Orchard, a wellness brand I’ll be subscribing to!”
Another added: “The more things they add to American Riviera Orchard’s list of potential products, the more excited I get. I will buy everything there.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story