Meghan Markle's lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, is struggling to fill its CEO position due to high staff turnover and the founder's demanding personality.
Despite the lack of product availability, Markle has launched a marketing push, sending strawberry jam and dog biscuits to celebrities and hinting at a line of rosé wine in the future.
Branding strategist Lucy Green suggested Markle may still be seeking investors, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the brand's leadership.
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Next article America's Riviera Orchard struggling to find CEO
What is the story
Meghan Markle's lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, is reportedly struggling to find a CEO, delaying the brand's launch, which was originally announced in March. With no release date or product information, concerns have arisen over the brand's future. Nearly 20 staff have already left the company, according to a source familiar with the matter.
'Unprecedented' employee departures raise concerns about working conditions
A source told Closer that the high staff turnover is “unprecedented, even for a startup,” adding that “the brutal reality is that Prince Harry and his wife, actress Meghan, are the toughest bosses around, are demanding, difficult to work with and annoy many people.” This has raised concerns about the working environment at American Riviera Orchard.
The brand's early marketing efforts have been promising.
Despite the limited availability of products, Markle has already begun marketing her brand. In April, she gifted select celebrities with jars of strawberry jam, signaling a head start for the brand's launch. She also gave dog biscuits to celebrity friends and hinted at a line of rosé wine in the future. Trademark filings reveal that the brand will sell tableware, drinkware, kitchen linens, and edible products such as jellies, jams, marmalades, and spreads.
Branding strategist hints at investment attraction potential
Brand strategist Lucy Green suggested to The Sun that Markle may still be looking for investors for her brand. “She may still be looking for investment,” she said. “If the brand is selling direct to consumer rather than wholesale, it will need a significant marketing budget to acquire consumers.” Green also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the brand's leadership at the moment.
