Expert Criticizes Meghan Markle’s Brand Launch Strategy, Calling It a Missed Opportunity

Meghan Markle’s recent brand launch has come under scrutiny, with PR expert Nick Ede suggesting that she made critical missteps that may have harmed her brand potential. Ede’s comments, reported by Express UK, highlight what he sees as flaws in Meghan’s approach with her brand, American Riviera Orchard, which he believes has left the Duchess “worse off” following its initial debut.

Ede began his critique by pointing out what he sees as a lack of effective strategy behind Meghan’s launch. “From a brand point of view, as an expert in that, I think whoever has been helping her has done it really wrong, especially with Riviera Orchard,” he said. He explained that the initial excitement and anticipation around the brand were well-executed, but the follow-through was lacking.

“When you build a brand, you build people’s anticipation about a brand,” Ede explained. Meghan’s initial moves—setting up an Instagram page and sending samples of Riviera Orchard products, such as jams, to celebrities with large followings—were the correct steps to gain early attention. “All of this is basically brand 101. This is exactly what you should do,” he acknowledged. However, he suggested that Meghan’s misstep came when the brand halted without offering any further engagement.

According to Ede, this lack of continuity has created a gap between initial interest and a deeper connection to the brand. “Then suddenly Meghan halts, and there’s no through line, there’s no story, and you can’t get it back,” he noted. He emphasized the missed opportunity to engage potential customers, saying, “There’s no, ‘Oh my god, I can buy jam, or I can get a t-shirt, or I can go on the site and register my name, and it gives me a newsletter with all the information.’ There’s literally nothing.”

Ede’s comments were echoed by an insider familiar with Martha Stewart’s reaction to comparisons being made between her established brand and Meghan’s new endeavor. According to The Irish Star, the insider claimed, “Martha’s tired of being quizzed by people over how she feels about Meghan’s venture because, honestly, it’s irritating and insulting to her that she’s being compared to a rookie!”

This comparison to Stewart, who is an icon in the lifestyle and homemaking industry, further underscores the challenges Meghan faces in establishing her own brand identity. Stewart, with decades of experience and a well-defined brand, has a loyal following and a proven track record, something that Meghan, as a newcomer, is only beginning to build.

For Meghan, the next steps could be crucial. As Nick Ede and other industry experts suggest, focusing on consistency, storytelling, and engagement might help to recover some of the lost momentum. By building a brand that not only grabs initial attention but sustains it through clear offerings and updates, Meghan could yet shape American Riviera Orchard into a lasting success. However, as it stands, industry insiders feel that Meghan has some catching up to do if she hopes to make an impact comparable to household names like Martha Stewart.