The Duchess of Sussex's highly anticipated lifestyle brand launch has drawn sharp criticism from industry experts who question both its pricing strategy and creative direction. Meghan Markle's American Riviera Orchard, unveiled earlier this year, positions itself as a premium lifestyle offering from the Montecito-based royal.
Price Points Raise Royal Eyebrows
Brand analysts have expressed astonishment at the collection's premium pricing, with one strawberry jam jar reportedly costing £22. "For what is essentially artisan preserves, the price point seems exceptionally ambitious," noted luxury brand consultant Eleanor Reeves. "Consumers are increasingly value-conscious, even in the premium segment."
Originality Questions Surface
Beyond pricing concerns, industry watchers have highlighted what they describe as a "lack of fresh thinking" in the product range. "We're seeing another celebrity leveraging their fame for lifestyle products without clear differentiation," observed retail analyst James Pembroke. "The market is already saturated with similar offerings from other high-profile figures."
Brand Strategy Under Scrutiny
The launch follows Meghan and Harry's various commercial ventures since stepping back from royal duties, including their Netflix deal and Harry's memoir. "There's a pattern emerging of premium positioning without the heritage to justify it," Pembroke added. "The royal connection is being used as validation, but the products need to stand on their own merits."
Consumer Response Divided
Early reactions from potential customers have been mixed, with some expressing excitement about the Duchess's new direction while others question the value proposition. Social media commentary reflects this division, with supporters praising the venture and critics labelling it "out of touch" given current economic pressures facing ordinary households.
The success of American Riviera Orchard may ultimately depend on whether Meghan can translate her royal celebrity into genuine brand loyalty beyond her existing fanbase. As one market analyst concluded: "Fame gets you attention, but quality and value keep customers coming back."
