Meghan Markle’s Cleverblends Stumble: A PR Move Gone Wrong?

In a surprising turn of events, the CEOs of Air Venture Partners have decided to pull their investment from Cleverblends, a coffee brand co-owned by Meghan Markle.

This decision comes on the heels of a staggering 45% drop in sales following her recent advertisement for the company.

Many are now questioning Markle's ability to transition from royal life to a successful businesswoman, suggesting that she may be better suited for an influencer role.

Previously, discussions had surfaced about Meghan and Prince Harry's aspirations to rebrand themselves in 2024.

Reports indicated that Meghan's talent agency was struggling to secure opportunities, primarily because brands are wary of jeopardizing their relationships with the royal family.

This complicated web of royal connections seems to be hindering her professional ambitions.

Amidst this backdrop, Meghan made an appearance in an Instagram video promoting Cleverblends.

Some speculate that she believes this PR stunt might help her gain traction in the media while simultaneously boosting the visibility of the brand she has invested in.

However, the question remains: will this translate into actual sales?

The uncertainty looms large.

An insider revealed that Meghan's involvement with Cleverblends is more than just a promotional gig; she holds a stake in the company.

Recently, Clever Coffee products have begun appearing on Target shelves across the United States.

While this could potentially enhance the brand's visibility, it's doubtful that Meghan's ad alone will drive significant sales growth.

Advertisers, after all, tend to be more discerning than that.

Target shoppers may find the price tag of nearly $18 for Clever Coffee somewhat steep, especially considering that most pouches retail for around $28 on the company's website.

This pricing discrepancy raises eyebrows and adds another layer of complexity to the brand's market strategy.

Target is known for trialing new brands in select stores before committing to a wider rollout, making it a challenging environment for any new vendor.

Interestingly, sources suggest that Cleverblends is selling its products at a loss in Target, which may be a desperate attempt to recover from the significant revenue decline they faced after Meghan's ad.

With Air Venture Partners now withdrawing their investment, the future of Cleverblends appears uncertain.

This situation highlights the risks associated with partnering with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Their brand power seems to be waning, leaving smaller businesses like Cleverblends in a precarious position.

The fallout from Meghan's promotional efforts serves as a cautionary tale for companies considering collaborations with her.

Cleverblends is backed by several investors, including Selva Ventures, a venture capital firm holding a minority stake, and Kieva Dickinson, one of the co-founders who sits on the board.

However, the departure of Air Venture Partners' CEOs, Ali Gouvi and Ryan Renker, underscores the growing concerns about the brand's viability.

As Meghan continues to associate herself with a product sold at Target, the implications for her image are stark.

This isn't exactly the luxury branding some might expect; rather, it's a step down from high-end retailers like Saks or Nordstrom.

The optics of promoting a discount department store brand could signal a troubling trend for her public persona.

With each move, it seems Meghan is edging closer to a point of no return.

Her attempts to leverage her celebrity status for business ventures may not be adding the value she hopes for.