A container full of nostalgia

News of the possible demise of Tupperware takes him on a trip down memory lane, says Neels van Heerden as he also wonders about its impact on the environment.

- Neels van Heerden

Iam astonished by recent reports suggesting that the Tupperware empire may soon crumble. Tupperware’s website mentions significant financial troubles and an uncontrollable burden of debt. I wouldn’t be surprised if this manufacturer becomes a case study in business schools within the next decade or two. I also believe it won’t be long before Tupperware products become collector’s items. Just look at the prices of secondhand AMC pots at flea markets and pawnshops. So, hold on to yours.

EARL TUPPER ESTABLISHED his business empire in the 1940s, and the product was introduced in South Africa in 1964. Currently, there are still around 270 000 consultants active in just our country alone.