David Bridges
Renowned jam expert Donna Collins has publicly criticized Meghan Markle’s “As Ever” apricot spread, which quickly sold out online, raising eyebrows in the culinary community. Collins expressed her disappointment, stating, “It’s truly disheartening that Meghan is marketing a fruit spread, which traditionally indicates a jam that has not met quality standards.” This comment was reported by the Daily Mail, highlighting the tension between celebrity food products and industry standards.
Collins elaborated, explaining that in the jam industry, a product labeled as a variety often signifies that it has failed to maintain the desired texture. “Even with the finest ingredients, if my jam turns out too runny, I would simply rebrand it and call it a variety. There’s absolutely no justification for this; it must meet quality expectations,” she insisted, emphasizing the importance of craftsmanship in jam-making.
Collins also raised concerns regarding Markle’s choice to use “conventionally grown apricots,” suggesting they may have been treated with pesticides, raising questions about the product’s overall quality. “Additionally, why is she incorporating pectin, a common gelling agent, unless it’s because her spread lacked proper consistency? Most quality spreads do not require pectin,” the MasterChef alum concluded, suggesting that the ingredients used may not align with premium product standards.
The Duchess of Sussex launched her spread, available in personal jars for $9 and collectible packaging for $14, which sold out in mere minutes, creating quite a stir among consumers. This rapid sell-out raised questions about the marketing strategies behind celebrity-branded food products and their effectiveness in capturing public interest.
Despite her criticisms, Collins acknowledged that Markle’s product seemed to benefit from her strategy of offering only a limited batch. “I’m not sure who is crafting her spread, but it’s clear to us that it’s not Meghan herself,” she asserted. “It appears that the team behind this product might not possess adequate expertise in jam-making.” This raises further questions about the authenticity and quality of celebrity food lines.
Page Six has attempted to reach out to Collins and a representative for the “Suits” alum for comment but has yet to receive a response, leaving many curious about the ongoing discourse surrounding Markle’s culinary venture.
Meghan Markle, aged 43, initially unveiled her lifestyle brand in March 2024, hinting at the launch of her homemade jam the following month. At that time, the actress distributed 50 jars of her product to close friends as gifts, showcasing her personal touch in the marketing of her brand.
By April 2024, a source informed Page Six that Markle had dedicated over a year to developing her business, emphasizing that “it encompasses everything that is dear to her heart.” This dedication reflects the passion and personal investment Markle has made in her entrepreneurial pursuits.
However, in April 2025, Markle transitioned her jam into a variety product upon its release, which immediately sold out. This shift raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the implications of marketing strategies in the celebrity food product landscape.
This year, the entrepreneur has faced additional scrutiny regarding her various ventures, including the debut season of her new Netflix show, “With Love, Meghan.” The reception of this series has been mixed, prompting further conversations about the sustainability of her brand and public image.
She also announced her podcast “Confessions of a Female Founder,” following the cancellation of her “Archetypes” series in 2023, signaling her continuous efforts to establish her voice in the crowded landscape of media and entrepreneurship.
Troy Sanders
Sophie Langley
