Meghan Markle’s new venture is making headlines with a sweet start. The first product from the Duchess of Sussex’s new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, is a jar of strawberry jam, as revealed by photos shared by Meghan and Prince Harry’s friend, Tracy Robins.
“Thank you for the delicious basket,” Tracy wrote in an April 15 Instagram Story. “I absolutely love this jam, so not sure I’m sharing with anyone.” Addressing Meghan directly, she added, “Thank you, M.”
The photos Tracy shared showcased a luxe basket filled with juicy lemons and a jar of the American Riviera Orchard spread, covered by a rustic square of cheesecloth and tied with a bow. In another Instagram Story featuring a close-up of the jar, Tracy wrote, “breakfast, lunch, and dinner just got a little sweeter.”
Meghan first announced the launch of American Riviera Orchard in March, debuting a new website and Instagram account for the project. While she kept details mostly under wraps, she provided a few hints through a series of posts, including photos of her cooking in the kitchen and arranging flowers. The brand, based in Montecito, Calif., where she lives with Harry and their children, Prince Archie, 4, and Princess Lilibet, 2, aims to bring a touch of luxury and wholesome goodness to everyday life.
Meghan’s foray into the lifestyle space isn’t entirely new. She previously operated a lifestyle blog, The Tig, until it shut down in 2017. Despite its closure, Meghan expressed pride in all she’d created with the blog.
“What began as a passion project (my little engine that could),” she wrote in a farewell post on The Tig, “evolved into an amazing community of inspiration, support, fun, and frivolity.” She added, “You’ve made my days brighter and filled this experience with so much joy.”
With the launch of American Riviera Orchard, Meghan Markle seems ready to rekindle her passion for lifestyle content, starting with a simple yet delightful jar of strawberry jam.
American Riviera Orchard appears to be an extension of Meghan’s previous ventures but with a more refined and luxurious touch. The brand’s emphasis on high-quality, wholesome products aligns with Meghan’s well-documented interest in wellness and healthy living. The choice of a strawberry jam as the debut product is both nostalgic and strategic, evoking the charm of homemade preserves while positioning the brand in the premium segment of the market.
The launch has been well-received by Meghan’s fans and followers, who appreciate the personal touch she brings to her projects. The brand’s Instagram account features a mix of aesthetically pleasing images and engaging content, from behind-the-scenes glimpses of product preparation to beautiful shots of the Montecito landscape.
The feedback from Tracy Robins, a close friend of Meghan and Harry, further underscores the authenticity and quality of the product. Her enthusiastic endorsement on social media helps build credibility and anticipation for the brand. This organic, word-of-mouth marketing approach is likely to resonate well with potential customers who value authenticity and personal recommendations.
Meghan’s strategic use of social media to announce and promote American Riviera Orchard highlights her understanding of modern marketing dynamics. By leveraging her personal brand and connections, she creates a buzz that traditional advertising cannot match. This strategy not only builds immediate interest but also fosters a sense of community among her followers, much like her previous blog, The Tig.
American Riviera Orchard’s emphasis on luxury and wholesome goodness is also reflective of the broader trends in the lifestyle market, where consumers increasingly seek products that offer both quality and sustainability. Meghan’s brand, with its high standards and personal touch, taps into this demand, offering products that are not just consumables but experiences.
The choice of Montecito as the brand’s base is significant as well. The region is known for its natural beauty and agricultural richness, which aligns perfectly with the brand’s ethos. The imagery of Montecito’s orchards, gardens, and scenic landscapes enhances the brand’s narrative, making it not just about the product but the entire lifestyle it represents.
As American Riviera Orchard continues to develop, it will be interesting to see how Meghan expands the product line. Given her background and interests, future products could range from more gourmet food items to home and wellness products. Each addition will likely reflect her commitment to quality and her desire to bring a touch of elegance and simplicity to everyday life.
Meghan’s return to the lifestyle space with American Riviera Orchard is a natural progression of her career and personal interests. It allows her to leverage her public persona while pursuing something she is passionate about. In doing so, she continues to inspire her audience, showing that it’s possible to blend personal passion with professional pursuits successfully.
The reception of American Riviera Orchard’s first product, the strawberry jam, sets a positive tone for the brand’s future. It demonstrates Meghan’s ability to create products that resonate with consumers and generate excitement. As she builds on this initial success, American Riviera Orchard is poised to become a significant player in the lifestyle and wellness market, offering products that are both luxurious and grounded in authenticity.
