Tupperware to outsource half its line (2024)

Tupperware Corp. is reducing its reliance on internally made products.

Officials from the Orlando, Fla., housewares major talked about the strategy during an April 21 conference call announcing first-quarter results.

``It is our intention over the next five to six years to outsource approximately 50 percent of our products, including core plastic products and noncore, nonplastic products,'' Jane Garrard, vice president of investor and media relations, said in a follow-up e-mail April 22. ``We plan to maintain six to seven facilities around the world and will retain a proficiency in injection molding.''

On April 2, Tupperware laid off 22 workers at its injection molding site in Hemingway, S.C. The site still employs 560. That move was made ``in an effort to align the cost structure with sales trends in North America,'' Garrard wrote.

``We find a product category, we can add value, but we have someone else make that product for us, and it doesn't require the capital investment,'' said Rick Goings, chairman and chief executive officer, referring to the plan as the Nike model.

Officials said they don't know yet which facilities the firm will maintain. Tupperware has manufacturing plants in Belgium, Brazil, France, Greece, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, the Philippines, Portugal, South Africa and the United States, and leases manufacturing and distribution facilities in China, India and Venezuela.

Analyst Rommel Dionisio of Roth Capital Partners LLC in Newport Beach, Calif., said the strategy makes sense.

He specifically noted that the cuts at Hemingway were to be expected, in light of a 19 percent sales decline in North American sales during the first quarter. Tupperware's North American sales during the first quarter were $45.4 million; total first-quarter sales were $296.4 million.

``If sales are down 19 percent, of course they're going to rationalize the business,'' he said.

In addition to its core business of storage products, Tupperware will expand its product line to include an array of kitchen items.

In North America, Tupperware's thrust will be rebuilding its direct sales force, which has been hurt in the past year as Tupperware attempted to sell its product in mass retail through Target Stores. Tupperware ended its relationship with Target in September.

``It was the right approach, us testing this retail approach, and it was the right thing to get out of ... but my goodness gracious, it's hurting two years of the U.S. business,'' Goings told analysts and shareholders.

``We sure answered once and for all, can you do direct sales and a mass-retail approach? No, with a capital N.''

Goings said Tupperware has made progress in converting the brand from primarily a storage container business to a contemporary brand that provides innovative and fashionable products in multiple categories. It will attack business with a five-platform approach, including seasonal products; art and design statements; ``surprising solutions,'' including ergonomic designs in items like nutcrackers to jar openers; brand-building products; and an emphasis on technological advancements. For instance, cheese is a European staple, so Tupperware came out with a container that keeps cheese fresh longer.

In the United States, that means shifting toward kitchen, tools and gadgets.

In China, where direct selling is illegal, Tupperware is opening hundreds of entrepreneurial storefronts. It currently has 986 stores in that country.

Tupperware to outsource half its line (2024)

FAQs

Did Tupperware go out of business? ›

Tupperware is still sold mostly through a party plan, with rewards for hosts and hostesses.

What are the disadvantages of Tupperware? ›

containers made of Tupperware are safe to use and are light in weight to carry. Even kids are very much allowed to consume food and drinks stored in these tumblers/ lunch boxes/ Water bottles. Disadvantages: When compared to other material like Plastic, Steel and Aluminium - Tupperware is bit costly.

What is the most sought after vintage Tupperware? ›

Without any further ado, here are some of the most valuable vintage Tupperware sets that are out there.
  1. Bell Tumblers from 1946. ...
  2. Wonderlier Bowls from 1946. ...
  3. The Millionaire Collection's Salt and Pepper Shakers from 1960. ...
  4. Servalier Astro Bowls from 1972. ...
  5. Cake Taker from the 1970s.
Mar 13, 2018

What other companies does Tupperware own? ›

Tupperware also had sales offices in Africa and Latin America before 1970. After that, Tupperware Brands expanded to almost 100 countries around the world under seven brands connected to it: the brands Tupperware, Avroy Shlain, BeautiControl, Fuller Cosmetics (including Armand Dupree), NaturCare, Nutrimetics, and Nuvo.

Why did Tupperware fail? ›

It blamed the sales erosion on challenges such as pandemic-triggered lockdowns in key overseas markets such as China significantly hurting its direct sale business and consumers pulling back their overall spending because of inflation. Tupperware's stock is also under pressure, down 70% year-over-year.

Why do people buy old Tupperware? ›

By buying vintage, you're practicing sustainability and reusing something from a different generation. Plus, Tupperware is one of those kitchen workhorses that still functions perfectly after decades of use.

Should I throw away my old Tupperware? ›

When to Throw Away Tupperware. There's no standard rule of thumb about when it's time to throw out your plastic containers. How long your containers last depends on how well you care for them, and the quality of plastic they're made of. You'll know it's time to toss your containers if they become warped or cracked.

Is Tupperware still quality? ›

Tupperware products are manufactured via world class manufacturing processes using only 100% Virgin Plastic which gives a superior quality to the final product. Durable: High quality plastic used to manufacture Tupperware products also increases the durability of the products.

How long does plastic Tupperware last? ›

It may be worth investing in a more durable set of plastic food containers (or opting for glass) if you want yours to last longer. DeLeonibus says high-quality grade plastic, like Tupperware, can remain functional for a lifetime, assuming you take cake care of it properly.

What is the oldest Tupperware product? ›

Tupper's first product, the Wonderbowl, introduced the iconic "burp seal."

Why does my old Tupperware smell funny? ›

According to Hunker, Tupperware and other reusable plastic containers hold onto smells because they are made from polypropylene, a porous type of plastic. This porosity allows the container to absorb properties of the food inside it, such as scent, especially when the food is kept in it for a long period of time.

Is Tupperware making a comeback? ›

Tupperware is suddenly an 'it brand' again amid pandemic. Restaurant pain has turned into Tupperware's gain with millions of people in a pandemic opening cookbooks again and looking for solutions to leftovers.

Is any Tupperware Made in USA? ›

Tupperware has manufacturing plants in Belgium, Brazil, France, Greece, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, the Philippines, Portugal, South Africa and the United States, and leases manufacturing and distribution facilities in China, India and Venezuela.

Who is the parent company of Tupperware? ›

Tupperware Brands is not owned by hedge funds. BlackRock, Inc. is currently the company's largest shareholder with 15% of shares outstanding. FMR LLC is the second largest shareholder owning 15% of common stock, and The Vanguard Group, Inc. holds about 7.1% of the company stock.

What is a good replacement for Tupperware? ›

Healthier Alternatives To Plastic Tupperware
  • Cotton Reusable Sandwich Wraps. Skip the plastic wrap and keep your sandwiches fresh with these cute little eco sandwich bags. ...
  • Paper Snack & Sandwich Bags. ...
  • Cotton Muslin Produce Bags. ...
  • Beeswax Wraps. ...
  • Glass Jars. ...
  • Glass 'Tupperware' Alternatives. ...
  • Shower Caps. ...
  • Compostable Cling Wrap.

What year did Tupperware stop using BPA? ›

As of March 2010, items sold by Tupperware US & CA are BPA free. Join us in our mission to Do Good for people and the planet through thoughtful and conscientious product innovation and design practices that help to better lives and reduce waste.

Does Tupperware still replace broken items? ›

Limited Lifetime Warranty. Tupperware® brand products are warranted by Tupperware against chipping, cracking, breaking or peeling under normal non-commercial use for the lifetime of the product.

Why does Tupperware have a hole? ›

The holes on food containers are for venting, not utensils.

Where is the best place to sell vintage Tupperware? ›

E-commerce sites like Etsy and eBay are full of "vintage Tupperware" listings with people selling everything from pitchers and coasters, to canisters and measuring cups — even oddities like salad dressing holders and cake covers are up for auction.

How did people store leftovers before Tupperware? ›

Ancient Greeks and Romans hauled ice and snow down from the mountains, wrapped it in straw or buried it in cellars where it slowed down food spoilage, although “leftovers” back then were more along the lines of fall harvest foods that could be stored and eaten when sustenance was scarce.

How can you tell vintage Tupperware? ›

Vintage tupperware can be found at thrift stores, estate sales, on sites that curate vintage goods, and on online auction sites. If you would like to begin collecting Tupperware, be sure you look for the brand stamp, as well as the two-part number on the bottom of every item you are interested in purchasing.

Is 20 year old Tupperware BPA free? ›

Are Old Tupperware Containers BPA Free? Tupperware plastic containers manufactured prior to 2010 most likely contain BPA, a chemical used to make polycarbonate.

Does Tupperware leach chemicals? ›

Plastic containers slowly leach chemicals into the food and beverages we store in them. Tupperware officially outlawed the use of Bisphenol A (BPAs) in their products in 2010. However, because Tupperware plastic containers hold up so well, you may still have some pre-2010 pieces in your cabinets.

Do Tupperware parties still exist? ›

Over the last seven decades, the retail environment has changed dramatically. But Tupperware parties will still happen too. “Younger customers less familiar with direct sales will now find our brand in retail and from there can develop personalized relationships,” Fernandez wrote.

Are glass Tupperware better than plastic? ›

Is glass Tupperware better than plastic Tupperware? Although glass Tupperware is heavier and easier to break, overall it is the better choice. By using glass Tupperware, you can be certain that your food will not be contaminated by harmful chemicals. Glass is natural, sustainable, and recyclable.

Can botulism grow in Tupperware? ›

Even a plastic or glass container without a lid may allow the botulism germ to grow in the bottom of the container. It's very important for fresh air to move around the fermenting foods, because botulism grows in an environment without air circulation – such as plastic or glass containers.

How can you tell if old Tupperware is BPA free? ›

What is not said in this statement but is implied is that at least some of Tupperware products sold prior to 2010 did in fact contain BPA. For consumers who want to be absolutely certain they have removed all known BPA sources, old Tupperware products manufactured prior to 2010 would be suspect.

Is it OK to put Tupperware in the microwave? ›

Basically, heat can cause the BPA and Phthalates in plastics to leach into your food. That means – yeah, sorry – you should avoid microwaving food and beverages in plastic. Instead, transfer them into microwave-safe glass or ceramic containers.

What does Tupperware stand for? ›

From Tupper +‎ -ware. Named after Earl Tupper, who invented the product in 1942 and founded the company that produced it. Thus it is a genericised trademark.

What do the numbers on the bottom of Tupperware mean? ›

Each plastic recycling number is code for the specific plastic that your containers are made of. Most Tupperware is imprinted with the number five, representing polypropylene, generally a food safe plastic.

Does vintage Tupperware have lead and arsenic? ›

One expert is now calling on people to stop using their vintage Tupperware immediately after she discovered measuring cups from 1972 actually contained lead an even arsenic.

Do they still do Tupperware? ›

The Tupperware name has been around commercially since 940's, but achieved international success in the UK in the 60's and 70's. Though the UK peak may have passed, Tupperware has continued with its success in markets all over the world, with many dedicated products for differing market places.

Who owns Tupperware now? ›

Tupperware Brands is not owned by hedge funds. BlackRock, Inc. is currently the company's largest shareholder with 15% of shares outstanding. FMR LLC is the second largest shareholder owning 15% of common stock, and The Vanguard Group, Inc. holds about 7.1% of the company stock.

Do people still buy Tupperware? ›

If you were wondering whether Tupperware still exists, and if they even have those parties anymore, the answer is an emphatic yes.

Where is Tupperware made in 2022? ›

Tupperware has manufacturing plants in Belgium, Brazil, France, Greece, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, the Philippines, Portugal, South Africa and the United States, and leases manufacturing and distribution facilities in China, India and Venezuela.

Should I throw away Tupperware? ›

When to Throw Away Tupperware. There's no standard rule of thumb about when it's time to throw out your plastic containers. How long your containers last depends on how well you care for them, and the quality of plastic they're made of. You'll know it's time to toss your containers if they become warped or cracked.

Who sells the most Tupperware? ›

Aunt Barbara, Dee W. Ieye and Kay Sedia are recognized for being the top three in personal sales in the U.S. and Canada at the annual West Coast Tupperware Jubilee in Anaheim.

Is Target going to sell Tupperware? ›

But now, in a first-ever for the 76-year-old company, Tupperware is putting their goods on store shelves — specifically, Target shelves. It's a brave new world for saving money on Tupperware, and you probably have questions like: what kind of Tupperware will you find at Target? And — most importantly — is it cheaper?

How many distributors does Tupperware have? ›

Under its current distribution system, Tupperware relies upon its 370 U.S. distributors, who are independent contractors, to buy their products on speculation and store them in warehouses.

How long has Target been selling Tupperware? ›

In October 2002, Target officially announced a partnership with Tupperware that would make the brand's products available in all Target stores across the U.S. The deal came about after a successful initial launch of about 50 select Tupperware products in 12 states.

How to get Tupperware replaced? ›

30-day Warranty

If you receive a product you believe to be defective, contact Customer Care at 1-800-887-7379. If, due to unavailability, actual product replacement cannot be made, we will credit the full purchase price amount toward future purchases of Tupperware® brand products.

Is new Tupperware as good as old Tupperware? ›

In case you have unbranded plastic storage containers, whether they are recyclable or not also depends entirely on the number on the container's bottom. If it has either a 1, 2, or 4 on it, you're good to go, same as with branded Tupperware.

How many plants does Tupperware have? ›

Tupperware currently operates 11 manufacturing facilities around the world where it plans to continue producing injection molded resin-based products in its company-owned facilities.

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