One month after Meghan Markle launched the Instagram and site for her new brand, American Riviera Orchard, three of her close friends shared the first look at its small-batch strawberry jam. However, there’s still a ton of mystery behind the company; here’s all the public knows so far:
Why did Meghan name the brand American Riviera Orchard?
Meghan hasn’t shared the origin story yet, but American Riviera is a term used to describe the Santa Barbara area where she lives with her husband, Prince Harry, and their two children. (The couple’s home is famously in Montecito; the city name is even part of American Riviera Orchard’s logo.)
Travel + Leisure explained why the region was given the name, writing, “Santa Barbara has been fondly referred to as ‘The American Riviera’ for more than a century because of its temperate climate and lush landscapes, as well as its robust food and wine culture.”
On March 18, a source told People how Meghan feels about her brand name: “Meghan finds the name American Riviera Orchard perfect. It feels authentic to her. She can’t wait for the website to launch.”
How did Meghan announce the line?
Quietly. The Instagram and site for American Riviera Orchard went live on March 14. Meghan posted an Instagram Story teasing the brand’s aesthetic, and the brand’s Instagram posted the logo.
The site offered a waitlist sign-up but no further details.
What is Meghan selling?
The full lineup hasn’t been disclosed yet, but there’s definitely jam. TMZ reported in March that Meghan filed her trademark applications for the brand in early February. She submitted them in multiple categories, TMZ wrote, including “cookbooks, tableware, coffee and tea services, jellies, jams, tablecloths, cookbooks, servingware, cutlery, spreads of all kinds, and lots more.”
A source told People on March 18 that American Riviera Orchard “will reflect everything that she loves—family, cooking, entertaining and home décor. She is excited about her latest, personal venture. This is something she’s been wanting to do for a while. She is excited to share her style and things that she loves.”
When is American Riviera Orchard launching?
Meghan hasn’t shared the brand’s official launch date yet.
People did get a rough estimate though: The outlet reported on April 11 that the brand will launch this spring. That date later moved. On August 9, People reported that it will be coming out later in 2024.
The outlet also debunked reports of the company having trademark issues. They wrote that while “American Riviera Orchard has received several notices of irregularity around clarifications for goods and services,” this is “typical” for those “pursuing international applications due to the differences between international and U.S. standards.” People added that “all fees around such notices have been paid, and no further action is required.”
Which products have been shared so far?
On April 15, two of Meghan’s good friends Tracy Robbins and Delfina Blaquier shared photos of small-batch strawberry jam from the line after Meghan sent them a basket. “Thank you, M,” Robbins wrote. Their posts gave the first close look at American Riviera Orchard’s packaging, too.
LaineyGossip noted that Robbins and Blaquier are far from just influencers; they are part of a very connected and accomplished group. Blaquier is a model and businesswoman, and famous polo player Nacho Figueras’ wife, while Robbins is a fashion designer. Robbins’ husband is Paramount Pictures CEO Brian Robbins.
Meghan and Blaquier were photographed together at a polo match the weekend before Blaquier posted the jam.
On April 21, Meghan’s former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer shared her first impressions of Meghan’s line. The duchess sent Spencer a care package too with strawberry jam. “This jam is my jam. A delicious taste of what’s to come indeed… love you so M🍓🌱🍋🫶🏽. @americanrivieraorchard,” Spencer wrote.
In June 2024, Markle’s friend Nacho Figueras shared a new raspberry flavored jam in his Instagram Stories and a jar of dog biscuits alongside his dog Nina Iggy
Is Meghan’s Netflix cooking show connected to the brand?
There’s a good chance, although it hasn’t been officially confirmed. Deadline reported that Meghan will be doing a lifestyle show for Netflix on April 11. It is in early production and will feature Meghan celebrating “the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship.” Its release date hasn’t been announced yet either.
What has Meghan said about American Riviera Orchard?
Nothing officially yet, but chances are that once a launch date is announced, Meghan will be sharing many more details about her new project. As a source told People on March 18, “This is something she’s been wanting to do for a while. She is excited to share her style and things that she loves.”
A source told Us Weekly on August 28 that the brand “will likely be very much in line with who Meghan is as a person. She loves hosting events, and she’s very thoughtful about how she treats her guests whenever they come over.”
This post will be updated as more comes out.
Alyssa Bailey is the senior news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she’s not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.
