In a bid to promote her new lifestyle company, American Riviera Orchard, Meghan Markle recently distributed jars of branded strawberry preserves to fifty of her friends. However, the gesture didn’t go over well, with friends expressing their lack of enthusiasm online. One commenter labeled the endeavor as “tacky,” while another remarked it “tastes of desperation.”
Close confidant Nacho Figueras revealed in June that the product range would include raspberry jam and dog biscuits. Unfortunately, this announcement was met with similar disinterest from the public.
In response to the tepid reception, Meghan is reportedly pivoting her strategy, exchanging glass food jars for wine bottles. She hopes to achieve greater success by introducing a rosé as the first product available to the general public from American Riviera Orchard.
“There’s a lot of pressure on Meghan to find something profitable. She’s been casting a wide net, but some people think it just shows how desperate Meghan is. Her products are all over the place,” an unnamed source told Life & Style Magazine.
The same insider highlighted the couple’s recent business struggles. Their $20 million Spotify deal fell through last year, their $100 million contract with Netflix has not produced any major hits, and contributions to the Archewell Foundation, established by Meghan and Prince Harry, have declined by $11 million since its first year of operation.
Despite Meghan’s history as an oenophile, her recent shift toward the alcohol market might surprise some, given her primary causes in recent years, including advocating for women’s rights, assisting refugees, and raising awareness about mental health. Before marrying Prince Harry in 2018, Meghan maintained a blog called “The Tig,” named after her favorite bottle of red wine, Tignanello, according to The New York Post.
“She knows the wine market is lucrative. It’s looking like a total cash grab,” the informant said of Meghan’s latest venture.
Joining the likes of Jon Bon Jovi, Sarah Jessica Parker, John Legend, Cameron Diaz, Post Malone, Brad Pitt, and Snoop Dogg, who have all entered the rosé industry, Meghan’s move is seen as bold. “Meghan is stepping on some toes. It’s pretty brazen that she’s moving in on their territory. Meghan doesn’t seem to care that she’s competing with a friend,” the tipster explained, noting that Meghan and Cameron Diaz are neighbors in Montecito, California.
Instead, Meghan is focused on securing her family’s financial future. “She and Harry aren’t steadily making the kind of money they need to continue their lavish lifestyle. Their future depends on her success. Meghan absolutely feels like it’s sink or swim time,” the insider shared.