A buzz has erupted on Twitter, claiming that Meghan Markle has permanently shuttered her business, American Riviera Orchard.
The speculation began with a tweet from user Tenova212, which suggested that TMZ had reported on the closure.
This tweet pointed to financial difficulties and whimsically noted that the venture would be remembered for “52 jam jars and a single jar of dog treats.” However, as we dig deeper, we uncover a tangled web of inconsistencies that cast doubt on the veracity of these claims.
The tweet quickly gained momentum, racking up over 162,000 views, 250 retweets, and thousands of likes and comments.
Yet, despite its viral nature, the credibility of this information remains questionable.
A thorough investigation into TMZ’s archives and other reliable news outlets revealed no corroborating reports about the alleged closure of American Riviera Orchard.
It seems that the rumor may have been blown out of proportion, driven more by social media frenzy than by factual reporting.
In fact, a simple Google search for “Meghan Markle American Riviera Orchard” yielded no results indicating that the business had ceased operations.
To add to the confusion, both the official Instagram account and the website for American Riviera Orchard are still active, contradicting the narrative of a permanent shutdown.
This lack of solid evidence from reputable sources suggests that the claims made by Tenova212 might be unfounded.
The absence of coverage from major media outlets further raises eyebrows.
Even a direct search on TMZ’s platform produced no results related to the supposed closure.
This situation underscores how easily misinformation can proliferate in the age of social media, where a single tweet can spark widespread speculation without any substantial backing.
Amidst this swirling rumor, it’s important to consider Meghan Markle’s strategic approach to her brand.
Notably, she has opted to keep Prince Harry out of promotional activities for American Riviera Orchard.
Instead, promotional materials feature Meghan solo, signaling that this venture is very much her own.
This decision could be pivotal in shaping the brand’s identity and establishing its credibility in the market.
Branding strategist Lucy Green weighed in on this move, suggesting that Meghan’s choice to go solo is deliberate.
Green remarked to Fabulous that this strategy prevents any perception that Meghan is leveraging her royal connection for commercial gain.
With her background as a lifestyle influencer and entrepreneur, Meghan is well-positioned to build this brand independently.
Previously, Meghan ran a lifestyle blog called The Tig, where she shared recipes, travel tips, and fashion advice.
However, she closed it down when her relationship with Prince Harry became public.
Green noted that Meghan has historically leaned towards lifestyle projects, while Harry’s focus has remained largely philanthropic.
This distinction may be crucial as Meghan carves out her niche in the business world.
In March, Meghan teased the launch of American Riviera Orchard on Instagram, branding it with the tagline “By Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.” This positioning could be instrumental in cultivating a narrative centered around female empowerment and entrepreneurship.
Green pointed out that Meghan has consistently identified herself as a woman in business, connecting with other female leaders and celebrities in that space.
Despite the initial excitement surrounding American Riviera Orchard, sales have yet to materialize.
Lucy Green speculated that this delay might stem from Meghan’s efforts to secure partnerships for her company.
So far, she has sent out branded strawberry jams to a host of friends and influencers, including notable names like Chrissy Teigen and Kris Jenner.
Additionally, she has shared raspberry jam and dog treats with Prince Harry’s polo buddy, Nacho Figueras.
As the story unfolds, it remains to be seen how Meghan Markle will navigate the challenges of launching her brand amidst swirling rumors.