Tupperware is an American company known for its plastic food storage containers. Founded in 1942 by Earl Tupper, the company revolutionized kitchen storage with its innovative, airtight containers. Introduced to the public in 1946, Tupperware products quickly gained popularity for their practicality and durability.
1938: Earl Tupper Requests Polyethylene
In 1938, Earl Tupper approached DuPont, requesting pure polyethylene pellets for the production of Tupperware products.
1942: Tupperware Founded
In 1942, Earl Tupper founded the American company Tupperware.
1946: First Tupperware Product Developed
Earl Tupper developed the first Tupperware product in 1946 in Leominster, Massachusetts.
1946: First Tupperware Product Launch
Earl Tupper introduces his innovative bell-shaped containers to the public in 1946, marking the beginning of Tupperware's journey in the market.
1949: Tupperware "Burping Seal" Patented
Tupperware's innovative "burping seal", a key feature ensuring the airtight nature of its containers, was patented in 1949.
1951: Brownie Wise Becomes VP of Marketing
Recognizing her success with Tupperware parties, Brownie Wise was appointed vice president of marketing in 1951.
1960: Tupperware Expands to Europe
Tupperware expanded its operations to Europe in 1960, with Mila Pond spearheading the initiative by hosting Tupperware parties in Weybridge, England, and other European locations.
1969: Tupperware Launches Shape O Toy
Expanding beyond its core product line, Tupperware introduced the Shape O, a toddler toy and puzzle, in 1969.
1998: China Enacts Pyramid Selling Laws
China implemented laws in 1998 to address and regulate pyramid selling schemes.
2003: Tupperware Ceases UK and Ireland Operations
Citing customer dissatisfaction with its direct sales model, Tupperware decided to shut down its operations in the UK and Ireland in 2003.
2005: Tupperware Operates Franchised Shops in China
As of 2005, Tupperware had established 1,900 franchised "entrepreneurial shopfronts" in China.
2011: Tupperware Attempts UK Relaunch
Tupperware attempted a relaunch in the UK in mid-2011, going as far as recruiting UK staff.
May 2018: Tupperware Announces Withdrawal from Israel
In May 2018, TheMarker, an Israeli daily, reported Tupperware's decision to withdraw from Israel.
2018: Criticism of Tupperware's Multi-Level Marketing
Tupperware's multi-level marketing strategy faced criticism in 2018, with accusations of it being manipulative and creating an uneven playing field for distributors.
December 2020: Tupperware Relaunches in Israel as Online Shop
Tupperware relaunched its operations in Israel in December 2020.
March 2021: Tupperware Ceases Operations in the Netherlands
Tupperware made the decision to shut down its operations in the Netherlands in March 2021.
August 2022: Tupperware Announces Exit from New Zealand
In August 2022, Tupperware announced its intention to leave the New Zealand market by the end of 2022.
November 2, 2022: Tupperware Raises "Substantial Doubt" About Future
On November 2, 2022, following the release of its quarterly results, Tupperware expressed significant concerns about its ability to remain in business.
April 11, 2023: Tupperware Stock Plummets
Tupperware's stock value plummeted to $1.30 on April 11, 2023, marking a new low for the company.
April 2023: Tupperware Operates in 82 Countries
As of April 2023, Tupperware reported having active operations in 82 countries around the world.
April 2023: Tupperware Issues Going Concern Warning
In April 2023, Tupperware issued a warning, stating that there were "substantial doubts" about its ability to continue operating as a going concern.
May 2023: Tupperware Hires Moelis & Co.
In May 2023, facing financial difficulties, Tupperware brought on Moelis & Co. to help explore various strategic options to address its situation.
June 2023: Tupperware Shifts to Online Sales in UK and Ireland
Tupperware halted supplies to its independent sales force in the UK and Ireland in June 2023.
July 2023: Ideal World Goes Out of Business
Ideal World, the shopping TV channel Tupperware partnered with, ceased operations in early July 2023.
June 14, 2024: Tupperware to Close Last US Manufacturing Plant
On June 14, 2024, Tupperware announced the closure of its last remaining manufacturing plant in the United States.
September 16, 2024: Tupperware to File for Bankruptcy
Tupperware Brands Corp. made an announcement on September 16, 2024, stating its preparation to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
January 2025: Tupperware US Plant Closure Completion
The closure of Tupperware's US manufacturing plant in Hemingway, South Carolina, with production shifting to Lerma, Mexico, is scheduled for completion in January 2025.