Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand As Ever has been expanding since its launch, but a recent hiccup has led many customers to request refunds for a $9 and $14 apricot spread.
The Apricot Mishap
On June 20, As Ever released a new line of products, including the apricot spread and a $30 rosé wine, as reported by People magazine.
However, the apricot spread quickly sold out, and the brand was unable to fulfill all the orders, prompting refunds and a promise to send the product for free once it’s back in stock.
“Due to high demand, we are unable to fulfill your order of the apricot spread at this time. We are refunding the purchase of this item by the end of this week,” a spokesperson told People. “In addition to the refund, we want you to know that when the apricot spread is back in stock, you will be the first to receive it, free of charge.”
Apricot-less customers were informed their products weren’t coming via email.
The apricot spread, advertised with its basic jar and As Ever keepsake packaging—the latter costing $14—was a preserve that could have been enjoyed paired with yogurt or oats: “balances a delicate sweetness and a gentle brightness that lets this beautiful stone fruit shine. Spoon it over yogurt, swipe it onto toast, or nestle it into a cake,” People reported.
The failure of Markle’s apricot spread is yet another blunder that blogs and legacy outlets like The New York Post eagerly seize upon.
The rosé wine — a much more expensive product, ranging from $30 to $300 — launched without a hitch, The Mirror reported.
“This debut rosé marks the beginning of As Ever’s thoughtful expansion into wine, with a Méthode Champenoise Napa Valley sparkling wine planned for the near future and additional varietals to follow.”
Shipping on July 9, the brand states the wine is for occasions during “summer’s best moments — from lunches that turn into dinners and sun-drenched weekends where the only thing louder than the music is the laughter.”
Markle is facing mounting pressures from her influence and celebrity status after resigning from her royal duties.
One of those pressures is from a lawsuit where a Maryland woman is seeking $10 million in punitive damages, plus at least $75,000 in compensatory damages, claiming that a salt bath recipe shared by the former Duchess turned reality star caused her severe burns and ongoing pain.
Robin Patrick of Maryland wants Meghan Markle to pay her $10 million in punitive damages, plus at least $75,000 in compensatory damages, claiming that a salt bath recipe shared by the former Duchess turned reality star caused her severe burns and ongoing pain. Patrick has not yet filed a formal lawsuit against Markle. Instead, on May 7, she has issued a legal threat, demanding the settlement.
The incident stems from a recipe Markle featured on her Netflix show, “With Love, Meghan,” which Patrick followed. Experts have warned that the mixture of Epsom salt, Himalayan salt, arnica oil, and lavender oil could cause discomfort, but Patrick claims her reaction was far worse — blister-like sores and ulcers, with some injuries potentially leading to permanent scarring.
