Tupperware

Tupperware is an American food storage container company. It sells and repairs plastic containers for home, kitchen, and personal use. 

 History 
The company was founded in 1942 by Earl Tupper. It became a public subsidiary in 1946 under Tupperware Brands.

 First products 
Tupperware released its first product, a plastic bowl, in 1946.

According to a 2018 Smithsonian article:
[The bowl] was widely praised by the [growing] plastic industry, which wanted quality plastic products in consumer hands. “It was also featured as an icon of modern design,” [Smithsonian curator Shelley Nickles] says. An article in House Beautiful described its sleek, translucent, green-and-white lines as “fine art for 39 cents.” That was the original cost of the bowl, which translates to about $5.50 in today’s money. Now, a three-piece set of the Wonderlier bowl, its successor, goes for $35.00.

 21st century 
As of 2023, Tupperware products were sold in nearly 70 countries.

Tupperware filed for bankruptcy in September 2024, reporting $812 million in debt.

 Marketing model 
See also: Multi-level marketing

Tupperware operates as a multi-level marketing company. 

In the 1950s, women often held "Tupperware parties" in their homes. Selling Tupperware allowed many women to earn income and independence even when they could not work outside the home.  

According to marketing professor Venkatesh Shankar:
[Tupperware] had tremendous cultural impact. The famous neighborhood house parties where Tupperware products were sold by the host to her family and friends were a new way of marketing, combining socializing with direct sales.

 Examples 

 Related pages 
 Plastic
 Container

 References 

Category:1948 establishments in the United States
Category:Companies based in Florida
Category:Orlando, Florida