I was shopping for olive oil last weekend when I spotted it—sleek packaging with that distinctive, minimalist “American Riviera Orchard” logo. Another Meghan Markle product had made its way onto mainstream shelves. The Duchess of Sussex’s new lifestyle brand is expanding faster than anyone expected, and I couldn’t help but wonder: how did she manage such a successful pivot from royal life to lifestyle entrepreneur?
When Meghan Markle launched American Riviera Orchard in March, many assumed it would be just another celebrity side project. The reality has proven far more ambitious. The brand is rapidly positioning itself as a serious competitor in the lifestyle market, with products ranging from jam to kitchenware now available in select stores.
“Meghan’s approach is distinctly different from other celebrity brands,” says marketing expert Lisa Chen. “She’s leveraging her personal story of transformation while building something with real substance and staying power.”
What makes the Meghan Markle lifestyle brand stand apart is its careful rollout strategy. Rather than flooding the market, Markle has introduced products gradually. This has created buzz while allowing her team to refine their approach based on customer feedback.
The brand’s aesthetic reflects Markle’s California roots mixed with touches of luxury. Products feature understated packaging with natural tones and minimalist design elements. This visual identity resonates with consumers seeking both quality and sustainability.
“The products themselves are actually good,” notes food critic James Reynolds. “The jam isn’t just celebrity-branded sugar—it’s legitimately well-crafted with interesting flavor combinations.”
Industry analysts predict American Riviera Orchard could generate over $100 million in revenue within its first two years. This puts it on track to compete with established lifestyle brands like Goop and The Honest Company.
Markle’s business savvy shouldn’t come as a surprise. Before marrying Prince Harry, she ran the lifestyle blog “The Tig” and demonstrated a keen understanding of branding. Those skills are now being applied on a much larger scale.
The duchess has also been strategic about partnerships. Recently announced collaborations with sustainable packaging companies and ethical food suppliers align perfectly with her brand values while expanding her market reach.
Social media has played a crucial role in the brand’s promotion. Instead of traditional advertising, American Riviera Orchard relies heavily on organic sharing and influencer partnerships. The strategy has paid off with products frequently selling out after being featured in Instagram posts.
Not everyone is convinced of the brand’s staying power. Some critics question whether Markle’s royal connection is the primary driver of initial sales. “The real test will be customer retention,” says retail analyst Priya Sharma. “Will people come back for more?”
Early signs suggest they will. Customer reviews praise both quality and value, with many products earning 4.5-star ratings or higher on retail websites. The brand seems to have found the sweet spot between aspirational and accessible.
Markle’s timing couldn’t be better. The market for premium home goods has grown substantially since 2020, with consumers increasingly willing to invest in quality items for their living spaces.
What’s next for American Riviera Orchard? Sources close to the brand hint at possible expansions into home décor, gardening supplies, and even a cookbook featuring Markle’s favorite recipes. Each would build logically on the brand’s existing foundation.
Behind the scenes, Markle has assembled an impressive team of industry veterans. The brand’s CEO previously held executive positions at Williams-Sonoma, while their head of product development comes from Whole Foods Market.
For those tracking celebrity business ventures, American Riviera Orchard represents a masterclass in leveraging personal brand. Markle has transformed potential obstacles—her royal exit, media scrutiny—into compelling parts of her entrepreneurial story.
