Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has made her debut in the business world with the launch of her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. The brand’s first product, homemade strawberry jam, has garnered attention from Markle’s close friends and influencers who have been lucky enough to receive a jar. Tracy Robbins, a designer who became friends with Markle after attending a film premiere together, shared her excitement on social media, expressing her love for the jam and her gratitude to Markle. Argentinian model Delfina Blaquier, the wife of Prince Harry’s close friend and polo player Nacho Figueras, also received a jar and praised the delicious strawberry jam on her Instagram Story.
The name of Markle’s brand, American Riviera Orchard, is a nod to Santa Barbara, California, where she and her husband reside with their two children. Santa Barbara has long been referred to as the “American Riviera,” adding a touch of nostalgia and sentimentality to the brand. While the debut product is strawberry jam, American Riviera Orchard plans to release a range of other products in the future.
However, Markle may face competition from her estranged family in the UK. The Duchy of Cornwall estate, owned by her father-in-law King Charles, has been selling its own jam in top grocery stores for years. It remains to be seen if Markle’s products will be available in the UK market.
The American Riviera Orchard website is currently blank, with visitors only being asked to provide their email addresses for future updates. A trademark application reveals that the brand plans to sell tableware, drinkware, kitchen linens, and a variety of edible treats including jellies, jams, marmalade, and spreads. The application is also seeking approval for cookbooks.
Markle’s entry into the business world has generated interest and excitement among her friends and fans. With her passion for creating a lifestyle brand that offers quality products, American Riviera Orchard is poised to make a name for itself. As the brand continues to develop and release new products, it will be interesting to see how Markle’s vision and creativity come to life and resonate with consumers.
