Meghan Markle’s ‘stupid’ mistake that could cripple success of new business American Riviera Orchard, claims brand pro
ROYAL fans have been given a first peek at Meghan Markle’s new lifestyle brand after she sent out hampers of jam to her close pals.
Her American Riviera Orchard site is said to be launching later this spring – but there is one “stupid” mistake the Duchess of Sussex should avoid if she wants to rake in the cash.
According to a brand strategist, the success of the website – which is trademarked to sell jams, linens and creams – simply depends on the pricing.
Lucie Greene told Grazia that Meghan has included a lot of “class references” in her branding.
Not only did she include her Duchess of Sussex title on the brand’s Instagram page, but even the name sounds upper class.
She explained: “‘American Riviera’ sounds like old money – and then ‘Orchard’ gives it this folksy, Hamptonsy, Ina Garten feeling.
“What’s going to be interesting is the price point Meghan chooses, because I think she’d be stupid to make it too expensive.
“There’s a real opportunity for her to make it more accessible than Flamingo Estate [a luxury LA-based lifestyle company selling soaps and gifts], and market high-class America to an aspiring middle-class American crowd.”
Jam deliveries
This week, the Duchess of Sussex delivered several beautifully-packed gift baskets to friends and influencers before the launch.
Several close pals have shared photos of their pre-launch promotional baskets, including fashion designer Tracy Robbins.
Tracy and her Paramount boss husband Brian Robbins are friends of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and invited them to the Bob Marley film premiere in Jamaica.
She shared a photo of her package and added the caption: “Thank you for the delicious basket!
“I absolutely love this jam so not sure I’m sharing with anyone. Thank you, M!”
Tracy added: “American Riviera Orchard breakfast, lunch and dinner just got a little sweeter.”
It seems 50 lucky people have received the hampers, as Tracy’s jam jar had “17 out of 50” on it.
Another person to have been sent the package is Delfina Blaquier, the wife of polo player Nacho Figueras, who was seen with Meghan at the polo last week.
What’s going to be interesting is the price point Meghan chooses, because I think she’d be stupid to make it too expensive
Lucie Greene
Delfina shared a photo of her gift (number 10 out of 50) alongside some jam-covered toast.
She wrote: “Strawberry jam makes me happy. And I [love] your jam.”
Meghan announced she is launching American Riviera Orchard last month, and teased it on Instagram.
It is said the A-list area of California where Meghan and Harry live, Montecito, is known as the “American Riviera”, which is thought to be the inspiration behind the name.
What is Meghan Markle’s new business?
Meghan Markle has launched a new Instagram brand called American Riviera Orchard.
Industry insiders said the site will focus on home, food, garden and lifestyle goods.
A source told the Mail: “It’s a lifestyle and cooking brand called American Riviera Orchard.
“The brand is meant to coincide with the launch of a new cookery show for Netflix.
“Meghan will be making, and selling, products such as jams. And at some point there will be a book and blog etc.”
Meghan’s products
According to a report from Page Six, Meghan’s company will focus on home, garden, food, and general lifestyle content.
The brand will reportedly sell home goods, such as cookbooks, food and kitchenware.
A trademark application for ‘American Riviera Orchard’ showed Meghan could sell cutlery, decanters, legume-based spreads and even napkin rings.
This follows Meghan, 42, closing her former lifestyle page, The Tig, in April 2017, shortly after she started dating Prince Harry.
There’s a real opportunity for her to make it more accessible than Flamingo Estate [a luxury LA-based lifestyle company selling soaps and gifts], and market high-class America to an aspiring middle-class American crowd
Lucie Greene
New Sussex shows
We recently shared how the Duchess of Sussex is set to launch a new series on “cooking, gardening and friendship”.
She and Harry have two untitled non-fiction projects in production.
The shows form part of the “creative partnership” Archewell Productions signed with the streaming giant in 2020.
The first series will focus on Meghan and explore “the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship”, according to Deadline.
The second series will follow the couple’s love of professional polo.
Primarily shot at the US Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Florida, the project will be produced by Boardwalk Pictures.
Prince Harry, 39, is known as a keen polo player.
The couple launched their documentary Harry and Meghan in 2022, offering an insight into their relationship.
What Will Meghan Markle’s Lifestyle Brand Sell?
Her mysterious lifestyle project, American Riviera Orchard, has listed a full range of products. Here's a peak of what could come:
Fragrance sachets
Lavender Sachets
Non-medicated skin care preparations
Bath and shower gels and salts…non-mediated hair preparations
Bath soap
Bar soap
Non-medicated hand soaps
Body creams
Bath oil
Body lotions
Cosmetics [and] Body Oil.
Scented oils
Air fragrance reed diffusers
Fragrances
Room fragrances
Incense
Non-medicated, non-veterinary grooming preparations like pet shampoo and conditioner
Candles
Household linen
Ben spreads
Bed blankets
Pillowcases
Bed sheets
Bed skirts
Throws
Bath linen
Interior decoration fabrics
Picnic blankets
Table linen of fabric or textile
Coasters of textile
Textile tablecloths
Curtains
Kitchen towels
Kitchen linens
Woven fabrics
Gift wrap of textile or fabric
Knitted fabrics
Textile wall hangings
Felt and non-woven textile fabrics
Beach towels
Beach blankets
Aprons
Scarves
Stationary sets
Letter openers
Blank note cards
Envelopes
Printed note cards
Printed holiday cards
Printed greeting cards
Printed place cards
Printed announcement cards
Printed invitations
Printed recipe cards
Embossers for paper stationery
Seals
Impression stamps
Blank journals
Blank paper notebooks
Personalised writing journals
Printed guest books
Stationary-type portfolios
Paper tape
Printed day planners
Printed calendars
Printed desktop planners
Printed diaries
Personal organisers
Printed address books
Paper party decorations
Party ornaments of paper
Printed decorative paper
Gift bags
Wrapping paper
Gift wrappings ribbons of paper
Gift boxes
Paper gift tags
Gift wrap of fabric or textile
Cocktail napkins
Calligraphy pens
Writing instruments
Desktop organisers
Letter trays
Event albums
Photo albums
Printed cookbooks and recipe books
Decorative cords
Ribbons of textile materials
Ornamental bowls of textile for decoration
Beads for crafting
Floor mats
Meditation mats
Decorative wall hangings
Bath mats
Wall coverings of textile
Wallpaper
Yoga bolsters
Meditation cushions
Yoga blankets
Meditation blankets
Yoga straps
String bags for shopping
Tote bags
Leashes for pets
Collars for pets
Beach umbrellas
Wine carrying cases
Wine bags with handles for carrying or holding wine
Pillows
Outdoor furniture
Household decor made primarily of textiles
Drawer organisers
Pillows for household pets
Beds for household pets
Picture frames
