Meghan Markle's As Ever brand has been forced to issue refunds and promise free replacement jars after overselling its popular apricot spread.
The Duchess of Sussex's product, which sold out within an hour of last month's launch, left some customers empty-handed despite successfully placing orders.
The company sent emails to affected buyers stating: "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."
As Ever assured disappointed customers, they would be "the first to receive it, free of charge" when stock becomes available. The spread typically retails at $9 (£6.50) per jar or $14 (10) in special keepsake packaging.
Meghan Markle's company forced to issue refunds after major blunder.
As Ever website / Getty
Meghan's apricot spread is now a missing page on the As Ever website, with a 404 error displaying. The ordering glitch has sparked mixed reactions from customers.
One frustrated buyer wrote: "Just received an email from As Ever, they are unable to fulfill my apricot order but will give me a full refund and a free replacement when it becomes available again. I only have a half a jar of my raspberry spread left. It's war tomorrow!!!"
Another complained: "I hope they fix this. At the minimum comms should be out literally on the day instead of waiting for your product for a while and being disappointed."
However, some loyal supporters urged the Duchess to keep their money. One fan wrote: "I don't even want my refund, I just genuinely want Meghan to know she is so loved!"
Meghan's apricot spread is now a missing page on the As Ever website.
As Ever website
The apricot spread, not technically jam due to its high fruit content, had generated significant demand during the brand's recent product drop.
The sweet treats are manufactured by the Republic of Tea, a US company headquartered in Larkspur, California, with its factory located 2,000 miles away in Illinois. The firm also produces As Ever's sold-out orange blossom honey, priced at $28 (£20) per jar.
Sources revealed that to create the commercial product, manufacturers "started with the version Meghan makes at home and worked to develop a version of it that could be produced at scale."
The Republic of Tea, which also makes preserves for Netflix's Bridgerton series, has been confirmed as the supplier for Meghan's raspberry spread. However, a source close to the Duchess indicated the supplier would be changing.
The prices on Meghan Markle's As Ever website were finally revealed earlier this year.As EverLATEST ROYAL NEWS:
As Ever rosé wine is 'inspired by a Provençal-style' and 'harvested in the stunning wine country of Napa Valley'.As EverThe brand's website describes the raspberry jam as "inspired by the recipe Meghan crafted in her home kitchen."
Despite the customer service issues, Meghan has expanded her product line with a new rosé wine. The 2023 Napa Valley Rosé launched on Tuesday at £24 per bottle, though it can only be purchased in sets of three bottles (£66), half cases (£116), or full cases (£219).
The decision not to sell individual bottles relates to shipping costs and environmental considerations.
A spokesman said: "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."
The wine is produced by Fairwinds Estate in Napa Valley. The Duchess reportedly spent months developing the blend, conducting taste tests with friends and colleagues at her home.
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