Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand hasn’t sold a single product in the five months since its iconic Instagram launch – prompting experts to worry about its future.
American Riviera Orchard, which plans to sell kitchenware, jams and jellies, has so far only shared some of its products with celebrity friends.
The brand’s Instagram page and website also remain blank with no option for customers to purchase the product.
Visitors are instead greeted by the brand’s logo and name appearing in gold in front of a blurred background.
‘I would have major concerns if I were an investor,’ PR and brand marketing expert Matt Yanofsky told The Times.
Image: Meghan Markle speaking on stage at The Archewell Foundation Parents’ Summit in October
Meghan is seeking to trademark the name of her service, American Riviera Orchard, for international use ahead of its launch next year.
‘If I were an investor, I said to him, “you need to find a CEO with an immediate business plan that will show profitability, or at least a revenue plan in the next 60 to 90 days”.
‘If not, I’ll take my money.’
The new concern comes after the Duchess of Sussex’s brand suffered a trademark infringement suit earlier this month.
Meghan plans to trademark her service name for international use ahead of its launch next year.
But records show that in July – some four months after requesting to register – there were some ‘irregularities’ that had to be ‘corrected’.
The US Patent and Trademark Office briefed Sussex’s lawyers on a range of issues, including the misclassification of yoga blankets, picnic baskets and recipe books.
And the agency said the costs due to various bodies around the world to register the trademark – totaled $11,382 (nearly £9,000).
There are also reports that Meghan has so far been unable to hire a permanent chief executive for American Orchard Riviera.
Potential candidates are said to be out of the question because of the number of employees at Archewell – the organization Meghan and Prince Harry founded in 2020 to deal with commercial and charity work.
Earlier this month, Josh Kettler became the ninth member of staff to leave the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s office in three years after stepping down as Harry’s chief of staff. Mr. Kettler has only been in the position for three months.
Pictured: Meghan Markle chats with people in the Drawing Room during a visit to Cardiff Castle in January
American model and TV personality Chrissy Teigen poses with Meghan Markle’s jam jar
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex travels down the Mall in a horse-drawn carriage during Trooping The Color 2018
Meghan shared a video on Instagram giving a hint of what to expect from her brand. There’s a clip of Meghan cooking in the kitchen, filled with some high-end cookware
However, a source close to Meghan denied rumors that there were concerns about the brand.
People magazine, a publication considered close to Prince Harry and Meghan, reported on August 28 that the Duchess was “preparing to launch a new lifestyle brand”.
The insider said Meghan is “excited about her latest personal venture” and it’s something she’s “wanted to do for a while”.
Meghan launched American Orchard Riviera in March with a teaser ad showing her arranging blousy flowers and whipping up bowls of goodies while being filmed in soft focus in her creamy kitchen.
The video was posted on the brand’s Instagram account which experts initially predicted could generate six-figure sales within weeks.
Image: Meghan and Harry attend the Royal Salute Polo Challenge to benefit Sentebale in April
Meghan helped prepare food during a visit to the Hubb Community Kitchen in 2018
However, a source close to Meghan denied rumors that there were concerns about the brand
An insider told US entertainment website Page Six that the brand will focus on ‘things close to her heart’ and will be an extension of her former lifestyle blog, The Tig.
It is expected that they will sell items such as spices, seasonings, peanut butter, jams, marmalades, and jellies, ‘edible oils and fats,’ and spreads made from nuts, garlic and sesame seeds as well as tisanes, dippers honey and bird feed.
