Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has embarked on a new business venture with the launch of American Riviera Orchard.
The brand promises to enrich the lifestyle market with a range of products from edible delights to home and personal care items.
This new venture is her first significant social media venture since she and Prince Harry decided to step down from their official royal roles, and marks a milestone in her journey as an independent entrepreneur.
The Duchess, who previously ran the successful lifestyle blog “The Tig,” has returned to the digital realm with an Instagram account for her new brand, reviving her passion for sharing her vision of good living.
Meghan’s previous experience with The Tig provides a solid foundation for this new endeavor, as the blog was a space where she cultivated a community dedicated to exploring fashion, food and travel before shutting it down due to her relationship with Prince Harry.
American Riviera Orchard’s first product
People magazine revealed that the brand’s first product was a jar of strawberry jam, an item that has already found its way into the kitchens of close friends and influential figures.
Among the first to enjoy this sweet treat are fashion designer Tracy Robbins and Delfina Blaquier, photographer and wife of polo star Nacho Figueras.
Both took to Instagram to share their enthusiasm for the product, highlighting its exceptional quality and taste.
The product’s design reflects the Duchess’s attention to detail and refined aesthetic, with a logo that appears to be handwritten by Meghan, recalling her days as a calligrapher.
The batch number “17 of 50” on the label suggests an exclusive, limited production run, adding a touch of uniqueness to each bottle.
“Thank you for the delicious basket!” she wrote. “I absolutely love this jam so not sure I’m sharing with anyone 🙂 @americanrivieraorchard Thank you M! #montecitogoodness #americanrivieraorchard.” This was the message he wrote on the social media.
Meanwhile, Blaquier — who spent the weekend with Meghan and Prince Harry as the Duke of Sussex and Figueras played in the Royal Salute Polo Challenge in Florida — shared a close-up image of the jam as she held the product up in her hand.
“Strawberry jam makes me happy,” Blaquier captioned the shot on her Instagram Stories. “And I your jam @americanrivieraorchard.”
“@americanrivieraorchard breakfast, lunch and dinner just got a little sweeter ” Robbins added alongside a second photo offering a close-up of the product.
Inspiration behind the brand
The name American Riviera Orchard pays homage to the picturesque region of Santa Barbara, known as the “American Riviera,” where Meghan and Harry reside with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The choice of name reflects not only the natural beauty of the area, but also the family’s personal connection to the Montecito community.
Looking ahead, Meghan has ambitious plans to expand her brand.
She has trademarks pending for a variety of products, including cosmetics, home décor, stationery, bedding, kitchenware, spices, yoga equipment, garden supplies and pet accessories.
This expansion demonstrates the company’s commitment to creating a comprehensive lifestyle brand that encompasses all aspects of everyday life.
With American Riviera Orchard, Meghan Markle is setting a new standard in the lifestyle world, offering products that promise quality, elegance and a personal touch that reflects her own journey and evolution as a public figure and entrepreneur.
The brand is already generating anticipation and excitement among the Duchess’s followers and luxury lifestyle aficionados, and will undoubtedly continue to be a topic of conversation in fashion and wellness circles.