Meghan Markle has yet to hire a new CEO for her culinary and lifestyle business, American Riviera Orchard, despite starting the search five weeks ago.
Sources said the Duchess of Sussex is believed to have met with several candidates, but was unable to select a new chief executive.
Meghan recently announced a new lifestyle brand, the first of which is a strawberry jam said to be made using fruit grown in her own garden.
A limited release of 50 jars was sent to friends and American influencers, who shared the product on Instagram and praised the jam.
“The initial CEO search has not gone well so far,” a California-based person told the Daily Mail.
However, difficulties have arisen for her as she has reportedly begun negotiations with Netflix for a commercial partnership with American Riviera Orchard.
“This is new for Netflix,” the source added.
“It will run a lifestyle business alongside Meghan and develop spin-off products from her shows. If the partnership is agreed, Netflix will likely install its own CEO to run the operation.”
Latest developments:
The deal is expected to be similar to the partnership between American TV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines and HGTV/Warner Bros. on the Magnolia Network.
The couple hosts the home renovation show “Fixer Upper” and sells lifestyle products.
Meghan's brand will focus on home, garden, food and lifestyle products
The Duchess posted her first Instagram post of herself cooking in the kitchen and picking flowers.
The Duchess of Sussex is believed to have interviewed multiple candidates, but was unable to select a new chief executive.
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“The branding is intended to coincide with the launch of Netflix's new cooking show,” a source said.
“Meghan plans to make and sell products such as jam. She may also publish a book or blog someday.”
Meghan's lawyers have applied to trademark the brand for various products in the United States.
These include cutlery, recipe books, tablecloths, napkins, jams, cooking oils, vegetable and dairy-based spreads.