Meghan Markle’s foray into the world of entrepreneurship has hit a sour note, with her latest venture drawing criticism and ridicule.
The Duchess of Sussex recently unveiled her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, alongside Prince Harry, marking their transition from royal duties to independent projects.
One of the flagship products of this brand is a strawberry jam that has sparked mixed reactions.
In a move to promote her jam, Meghan distributed jars to 50 acquaintances and social media influencers, hoping to generate buzz around her new endeavor.
However, the gesture backfired when Angela Lavon openly mocked the concept, expressing amusement at the extravagant promotion strategy.
Lavon’s sarcastic remark, “Hold the front page,” encapsulated the skepticism surrounding Meghan’s jam campaign.
Among the recipients of Meghan’s jam were notable figures such as Delphine of Black Air and fashion designer Tracy Robbins, who shared images of the product on social media platforms like Instagram.
Observers quickly noticed peculiarities in the packaging, noting the handwritten appearance of the label, which seemed to be peeling off.
Social media users didn’t hold back in their critiques, highlighting the perceived lack of quality in Meghan’s inaugural product.
Concerns about the safety and legality of the jam also emerged, with claims that Meghan had not obtained FDA approval before commercializing the product.
Paula M. raised alarms about potential health risks associated with consuming the jam, citing California’s stringent regulations governing homemade goods.
The Food Safety Department reportedly imposed a ban on Meghan’s jam due to unresolved safety issues.
Criticism of Meghan’s business venture extended to the media, with Raw correspondent Michael Cole offering a scathing assessment of the situation.
Cole speculated on the motives behind Meghan’s brand launch, suggesting a strategic tie-in with the couple’s lucrative deal with Netflix.
He hinted at a possible attempt to win back public favor through the unconventional route of artisanal jam production.
Reflecting on Meghan’s past ventures, particularly her defunct lifestyle blog, The Dig, Cole shed light on the challenges she faced in balancing personal endeavors with royal protocols.
The blog’s closure upon her engagement to Prince Harry underscored the restrictions imposed on leveraging royal status for commercial gain.
With newfound independence, the Sussexes are navigating a competitive market landscape, compelled to secure viable income streams.
As Meghan and Harry chart a new chapter outside the confines of traditional royal duties, the success of their entrepreneurial pursuits remains uncertain.
Amidst the scrutiny and skepticism surrounding Meghan’s jam launch, the couple’s strategic partnership with Netflix looms large, signaling a pivotal shift towards self-sufficiency and creative autonomy.
Whether Meghan’s jam debacle proves to be a mere hiccup or a harbinger of challenges ahead, only time will tell.