Meghan Markle has officially launched the inaugural product from her latest business venture, American Riviera Orchard.
However, despite the buzz surrounding its release, the sweet treat has already encountered criticism. Markle introduced her line of strawberry jams on Tuesday, gifting jars to influencers and socialites. The comparison to Emma Thn's jam, a well-known figure in the world of preserves, is inevitable.
Emma, recognized as Britain's first biracial March, married to Su and Fen, gained fame for being the first Pier to have a surrogate birth after a challenging initial pregnancy. Speculation arises whether Markle drew inspiration from Emma, particularly regarding surrogacy, considering their shared experiences.
Emma's kitchen, where she crafts her recipes and even developed a line of bone china tea sets, serves as another possible influence on Markle's venture. The authenticity and attention to detail in Emma's creations stand in contrast to Markle's seemingly ostentatious branding. While Emma's jams boast detailed descriptions and ingredients cultivated at Long Leet Pink Gin, Markle's brand appears to rely more on name recognition than product quality. Influencer photos suggest a lack of proper labeling and ingredient lists, hinting that Markle might have sourced the jams from a mass producer rather than crafting them herself.
The comparison between the two women extends beyond their business endeavors. Emma is celebrated for her warmth and charm, having also made a mark in the modeling world. Some speculate that Markle harbors envy towards Emma, who embodies qualities she lacks. Conversely, Markle has faced criticism, being labeled a grifter and shameless for launching a new lifestyle brand amidst recent royal family health news. The timing of Markle's product launch, coinciding with public concerns over King Charles and the Princess of Wales' health, has been called into question.
Critics argue that Markle's product launch lacks substance, with some dismissing it as merely a branding exercise. The skepticism is fueled by the limited availability of the jams for purchase despite being sent out as influencer gifts. Kinsey Scoffield, a Los Angeles-based correspondent and Markle expert, characterized the jams as another PR campaign, questioning Markle's career trajectory from potential presidential candidate to jam maker. The discrepancy between the hype surrounding the launch and the actual product's availability raises doubts about the viability of Markle's business venture.
