In recent years, Tupperware has seemed to epitomise the American dream. Seven decades ago, Earl Silas Tupper stumbled on the idea of using rubber seals for plastic boxes. And from those humble origins, a direct sales giant emerged, with those “Tupperware parties” selling plastic to millions of housewives. But these days those air-tight boxes come with a twist. Four decades ago, 90 per cent of the company’s sales were in the US. Now, however, 90 per cent are outside the US. Yes, you read that right: Tupperware might look as American as apple pie; its headquarters are even in Orlando, near Disneyworld.
近年來，特百惠(Tupperware)似乎已經成了美國夢的縮影。七十年前，厄爾•塞拉斯•塔珀(Earl Silas Tupper)偶然產生了在塑膠盒子上使用橡膠封口的想法。在這個不起眼的起點基礎上一家直銷巨擘誕生了，通過「特百惠派對」的形式向數百萬計的家庭主婦銷售塑膠製品。但如今這家公司的密封盒銷售形勢發生了變化。四十年前，該公司90%的銷售額來自美國本土。現在該公司90%的銷售額來自美國以外地區。是的，您沒看錯：特百惠看起來也許和蘋果派一樣充滿美國風格，該公司總部位於奧蘭多(Orlando)，靠近迪斯尼樂園(Disneyworld)。