There is a major problem with Meghan Markle’s new brand American Riviera Orchard, according to a PR expert who claims it won’t resonate with the wider public.
The Duchess of Sussex is often seen and heard championing the rights of the underprivileged, but her latest project appears to be aimed at a different group of people.
It comes after last week’s shock announcement on Instagram by the former Suits star. Just hours before Harry and William spoke at the Diana Legacy Awards, Meghan announced her new American Riviera Orchid brand.
Lynn Carratt from Press Box PR told The Mirror that this brand and the video used to launch it “isn’t going to resonate” with the general public.
She asked: “Who has a luxury kitchen like that in their home? And you also have to ask how much the products are going to cost as it’s unlikely they’ll be affordable.”
Lynn continued: “You can’t one minute be championing the underprivileged and then the next minute standing in your luxury kitchen wearing designer togs and selling luxury homemade products.
“There needs to be some consistency and authenticity running across Meghan’s brand. Meghan is always going to be criticised for whatever she does, but she also needs to help herself in fostering the right PR strategy.”
Meghan’s new brand is set to sell a wide range of products. While she’s yet to confirm publicly what American Riviera Orchard will be selling, the company’s official trademark documents have shed light on what will be made available.
Filed on February 2 by a company called Mama Knows Best, LLC based in Beverly Hills and pending review by the US Patent and Trademark Office, American Riviera Orchard is set to sell products including tableware, table cutlery, serving ware, decanters, dinnerware, chargers, napkin rings, and table place-card holders.
According to another PR expert, Jane Owen, if Meghan fully focuses on the project, it could bag her in the region of a £100million payday.
Jane told the outlet: “If Meghan puts effort behind her new brand, to make sure it’s beautiful and high quality and also uses her extensive contacts and her obvious sway with the media, I believe the brand will be a huge success.”
“It’s a really smart move. Meghan is beautiful and has good taste, and her fans now can buy into a piece of that.”
