Meghan Markle’s Strawberry Jam Launch Flops as Influencers Shun Promotion

Meghan Markle faced a major setback as her attempt to promote her strawberry jams was met with rejection by 48 out of 50 influencers.

The Duchess of Sussex had distributed the jams to her friends in a bid to showcase her new business venture by gifting them a personalized present.

The exclusive jars were sent out ahead of the official launch of her brand, American Riviera Orchard, set to debut later this spring featuring a variety of products.

Notable personalities like fashion designer Tracy Robbins and Argentine socialite Delfina Blakir took to Instagram to share that they had received the homemade-looking jars, adorned with a stylish crest and what appeared to be a handwritten brand name.

This move by Meghan follows a growing trend among celebrities venturing into the food industry, with figures like Julianne Moore, Will Ferrell, and LeBron James selling their own honey under the Flamingo Estate brand, fetching prices as high as $250 per jar.

Drawing potential inspiration from her father-in-law, King Charles III, who ventured into selling products like jam from the Duchy of Cornwall estate back in the 1990s, Meghan's promotional strategy seemed to have hit a roadblock.

Despite distributing 50 jars, only two individuals have actively promoted the product so far.

The decision to number the jars inadvertently revealed the lack of widespread support, as the level of appreciation can be gauged through social media acknowledgments.

The promotional efforts seem to be struggling, with only Paramount Wife and Delfina publicly endorsing the strawberry jam, a staple choice among spreads.

However, these influencers, with follower counts of 560,000 and 7,000 respectively, may not hold significant sway over consumer behavior, merely serving as conduits for short-lived Instagram stories.

The staged photos featuring strawberries in the background appear to be orchestrated by Meghan herself and shared as part of the PR package.

Critics have raised concerns about the authenticity of Meghan's artisanal image, suggesting that her involvement in small-batch jam production contradicts local cottage food laws in Santa Barbara County.

Furthermore, leaked information from a source hinted at a requirement for recipients to commit to social media promotion and refrain from reselling the product, a stipulation possibly necessitating the numbering of jars to track distribution.

Amid the promotional missteps, fans have expressed disappointment over the perceived quality of the product, with social media users highlighting instances of labels peeling off the glass jars.

Observations of the promotional jams' subpar presentation have sparked criticism, questioning the durability of the labels and casting doubt on the overall appeal of Meghan's inaugural product offering.

The limited edition concept has also been scrutinized, with some mocking the pricing strategy and the perceived lack of substance behind the brand's initial offerings.

As Meghan Markle navigates the challenges of launching her culinary venture, the public reception to her strawberry jams serves as a reminder of the intricacies involved in merging celebrity influence with entrepreneurial pursuits.

The evolving narrative surrounding the Duchess's foray into the food industry underscores the complexities of building a brand identity and navigating consumer expectations in an increasingly discerning market landscape.