Ads
Meghan Markle’s latest foray into the luxury lifestyle market has taken an unfortunate turn, and not just because of the public's lukewarm reception to her product’s overly fancy packaging. This time, her brand-new venture under the label “American Riviera Orchard” is facing serious legal trouble. The debut item? A raspberry jam spread that’s managed to stir up more confusion and criticism than excitement or appetites.
Ads
The promotional campaign for the jam was as stylized as one might expect from someone accustomed to royal glamor. A sleek Instagram video showcased raspberries being picked and whisked through machines before landing in polished glass jars. It all had the appearance of something handmade, something carefully curated. Meghan even appeared in the background of some shots, dressed elegantly and holding a glass, as if to lend an air of refinement to the operation. Yet the visuals came off more like a polished ad for a supermarket factory than a window into a charming artisanal kitchen. Instead of evoking the rustic authenticity one might expect from a boutique food product, the entire launch looked sterile and overproduced.
Ads
For those curious about the spread itself, there are no real answers. The label gives no indication of where the fruit is sourced, who is behind the actual production, or what the ingredients even are. The ambiguity around the jam’s composition and origins has led many to wonder: who exactly is this product for, and why should anyone buy it? Without basic transparency, even fans are left scratching their heads.
Ads
Unfortunately for Meghan, the problems don’t stop at the public’s confusion. Regulatory issues have reared their head in a big way. In launching a food product in the United States, certain legal standards must be met, especially those outlined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Her raspberry spread, however, lacks virtually all required label components—there’s no ingredients list, no nutritional facts, no allergy warnings, and no batch information. These aren’t small oversights; they’re fundamental necessities. Without these, the product isn't just incomplete—it’s potentially unsafe for public consumption.
Ads
Consumers are legally entitled to know what they’re eating. Whether they’re avoiding certain allergens, watching sugar intake, or simply curious about what they’re purchasing, clear labeling is a non-negotiable part of selling food. Meghan’s apparent disregard for these requirements suggests a troubling lack of seriousness about the business side of her new endeavor. Simply placing her name on the product doesn’t give it credibility—it invites scrutiny, especially when basic compliance is missing.
Ads
Adding to the mess, Meghan’s attempt to trademark the “American Riviera Orchard” brand has already been rejected. The reason? She failed to provide essential documentation about the product’s origin and makeup. A trademark application isn’t just about catchy names or elegant fonts—it’s about defining what a brand stands for and proving that it’s legally and logistically sound. Without those critical details, her attempt at trademarking her venture has been, unsurprisingly, denied.
Ads
What’s become increasingly clear is that Meghan’s jam is likely not the handcrafted, lovingly prepared delicacy it was marketed as. Instead, it appears to be a mass-produced item slapped with a premium label. That’s a common tactic in the world of white label products—buy from a generic manufacturer, stick your brand name on it, and hope the price tag fools people into believing it’s something special. But consumers are smarter than that, and when the product lacks even the most basic transparency, trust erodes quickly.
Ads
So far, Meghan’s attempt at transforming her personal brand into a high-end lifestyle empire is faltering. Her raspberry spread is facing skepticism not just from critics, but from potential consumers who are turned off by the lack of information and the inflated aura around a product that doesn’t seem to offer anything particularly unique. A true artisan product would spotlight its locally sourced fruit, proudly list its ingredients, and let the quality speak for itself. Meghan’s spread, in contrast, relies heavily on branding and celebrity image—something that isn’t nearly enough in a market that values authenticity.
From a legal perspective, the project is off to a rocky start. Without FDA-compliant labeling and clear disclosures, the jam can’t even be legally sold in many settings. Retailers won’t touch a food product that lacks proper documentation, and any attempt to scale the business will be met with regulatory roadblocks unless these issues are quickly resolved. The lack of transparency around production and sourcing also makes partnerships with trusted sellers or distributors unlikely.
It’s hard to believe that Meghan is intimately involved in the process of developing the jam beyond approving the label design. The overall execution suggests a project that’s been more about image than substance. While she may have envisioned this brand as the start of her rise in the luxury lifestyle world, the reality has been far less glamorous. Without a real grasp of the food industry, or at least the proper advisors to guide her, Meghan’s jam venture has stumbled out of the gate.
Perhaps the most ironic part of all is the packaging, which has become the focal point of the entire launch. While the jar itself might be sleek and minimal, and the cardboard sleeve adds a touch of high-end flair, there’s nothing inside to back it up. Without the right legal structure, product quality, or consumer trust, the whole thing feels more like a vanity project than a viable business. If the raspberry spread ends up in clearance bins, maybe she can reframe the packaging as a collectible from a short-lived luxury experiment.
Meghan Markle’s effort to position herself as a savvy entrepreneur continues to meet resistance—both from the public and from the practical demands of building a real brand. While she clearly has the spotlight and the platform, the missing ingredient appears to be authenticity. Her raspberry spread was supposed to signal the arrival of a refined, high-end label. Instead, it's become a case study in how not to launch a product.
As ever, Meghan tries to step into the business world with confidence. And as ever, without the right groundwork, she falls short.
Post a Comment