Tupperware has announced the closing of its business in New Zealand, after 49 years, dating back to multi-level style ‘Tupperware parties’. 

UOL, the sole importer of Tupperware in New Zealand, said it would shut down operations on October 30, due to Covid-19 having contributed to a drop in sales and Tupperware parties.

Tupperware, founded by American Earl Tupper in 1946, first established a presence in New Zealand in 1972. Since 2020, UOL has been the sole importer of Tupperware in the country. 

“For 47 of the last 49 years, the Tupperware business was built on the face-to-face party plan model where friends and family would get together for an hour or two of catchups, laughs and of course to see the latest and greatest from Tupperware,” UOL said in the statement. 

“As we all know, things changed when Covid arrived and the in-person party model, by necessity, stopped and international supply chains faced their own challenges. Even with the relaxation of lockdowns, there is an understandable reluctance for in-home parties.” 

Additionally, according to UOL, a final container of the products will be delivered in early September, and customers can order them online until October 30 or until all stock has been exhausted. 

In other markets – especially in Asia – Tupperware is sold through retail stores, which may remain an option for the brand in New Zealand in future.