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.
近年来，特百惠(Tupperware)似乎已经成了美国梦的缩影。七十年前，厄尔•塞拉斯•塔珀(Earl Silas Tupper)偶然产生了在塑料盒子上使用橡胶封口的想法。在这个不起眼的起点基础上一家直销巨头诞生了，通过“特百惠派对”的形式向数百万计的家庭主妇销售塑料制品。但如今这家公司的密封盒销售形势发生了变化。四十年前，该公司90%的销售额来自美国本土。现在该公司90%的销售额来自美国以外地区。是的，您没看错：特百惠看起来也许和苹果派一样充满美国风格，该公司总部位于奥兰多(Orlando)，靠近迪斯尼乐园(Disneyworld)。