The Duchess of Sussex's latest 'As Ever' merchandise has been a hit with consumers, but her new apricot spread is facing criticism from experts within the jam industry.

Donna Collins, a renowned jam-maker with over 40 world championship honors, expressed disappointment over Meghan's choice to sell a fruit spread instead of jam. She explained that a spread is typically what you make when a jam fails to set properly, and questioned the ingredients used in Meghan's product.

The apricot spread, priced at £10 for keepsake packaging or £7 for plain jars, contains conventionally grown apricots, dried organic apricots, organic pure cane sugar, and fruit pectin. Collins raised concerns about the use of conventionally grown apricots that may have been treated with pesticides, as well as the inclusion of pectin, a gelling agent commonly used in runny spreads.

Meghan initially launched her 'As Ever' brand in April with a raspberry spread that received criticism for its texture. Despite the quick sell-out of the apricot spread, some fans were disappointed by the quality issues and questioned the small batch production.

Maureen Foley, another jam expert, suggested that Meghan's decision to venture into spreads might be a strategic marketing move to cater to a specific niche. While some view it as a smart business move, others believe that the quality of the product should not be compromised for marketing opportunities.