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Meghan MarkleThe lifestyle brand has yet to launch a single product when it unveiled a splashy Instagram launch — prompting concerns among experts about its future.
American Riviera Orchard plans to sell cookware, jams and jellies, and has so far shared only a few products with celebrity friends.
The brand’s Instagram page and website also remain blank, with customers not yet offered the option to purchase the products.
Visitors are greeted by golden logos and brand names on a faded background.
PR and brand marketing expert Matt Yanofsky told The Times.
Pictured: Meghan Markle speaking at the Archewell Foundation Parents Summit in October
Meghan had sought to trademark the name of her service, American Riviera Orchard, for use internationally ahead of its full launch next year
“If I were an investor, I would say to her, ‘You need to find a CEO with a straightforward business plan that shows profitability, or at least revenue in the next 60 to 90 days’.
“Otherwise I’ll take my money out.”
Earlier this month, the Duchess of Sussex’s brand suffered a trademark setback, which has sparked new concerns.
Megan plans to trademark the name for international use before fully launching her service next year.
But records show that in July, four months after applying for registration, some “irregularities” were noted that needed to be “rectified.”
The USPTO notified the Sussexes’ lawyers of various issues, including misclassification of yoga blankets, picnic baskets and recipe books.
The agency said registering the trademark would require paying fees to various agencies around the world, totaling $11,382 (nearly £9,000).
There are also reports that Meghan has so far failed to hire a permanent CEO for American Riviera Orchard.
Potential candidates are said to be deterred from taking the role due to high staff turnover at Archewell, the agency Meghan and Prince Harry set up in 2020 to manage their business and charitable work.
Earlier this month, Josh Kettler resigned as Prince Harry’s chief of staff, becoming the ninth staff member to leave the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s office in three years. Mr Kettler had been in the role for just three months.
Pictured: Meghan Markle chats with people in the drawing room during her visit to Cardiff Castle in January
American model and television personality Chrissy Teigen poses with a jar of jam by Meghan Markle
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex rides in a horse-drawn carriage through the Mall during Trooping the Colour in 2018
Meghan shared a video on Instagram introducing her brand to viewers. The video shows Meghan cooking in her kitchen, which is filled with various high-end cookware.
However, sources close to Meghan denied rumours that there were concerns about the brand.
People magazine, which is considered a close one to Prince Harry and Meghan, reported on August 28 that the Duchess is “preparing to launch her new lifestyle brand.”
The insider said Meghan is “excited about her latest solo adventure” and that it’s something she’s “always wanted to do.”
Meghan launched American Riviera Orchard in March with a provocative ad that showed her in soft focus in a cream-colored kitchen, arranging blooms and stirring a bowl.
The video was posted on the brand’s Instagram account, and experts initially predicted it would bring her six-figure sales within a few weeks.
Pictured: Meghan and Harry attend the Royal Salute Polo Challenge in April to raise funds for Sentebale
Meghan helps prepare food during a visit to the Hubb Community Kitchen in 2018
However, sources close to Meghan denied rumours that the brand had concerns
A source told US entertainment website Page Six that the brand will focus on “things close to her heart” and will be an extension of her previous lifestyle blog, The Tig.
She is expected to sell spices, condiments, nut butters, jams, marmalades and jellies, cooking oils and fats, spreads made from beans, garlic and sesame seeds, as well as herbal teas, honey seasonings and bird feeders, among other items.
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