Disclaimer
Before I begin, I want to state clearly that everything I write here is based on my own perspective, investigation, and the facts I have been able to obtain. The only official communication I personally received from Tupperware regarding the changes in Singapore was an email dated 13 December 2024 from the Commercial Director for Singapore and Malaysia. I will reference parts of that email but not share it in its entirety. This post is meant to document my journey and provide some answers to customers, partners, and anyone following Tupperware’s recent story.
My Background
I have proudly represented Tupperware as a distributor in Singapore for over a decade. Over those years, I managed a successful e-commerce business focused solely on Tupperware products. I’ve always felt part of a community that values quality, innovation, and a shared entrepreneurial spirit.
The Sudden News
On 13 December 2024, while on holiday with my family, I received an email with the subject “Closure of Tupperware Singapore.” It felt like a punch to the gut—especially as there hadn’t been any hint of such drastic action. The email announced that Tupperware would “discontinue activities and phase out our business operations in your area” with immediate effect. All sales, order entry, and distribution were to be stopped at once, and we were required to cease using all Tupperware intellectual property—including the logo and catalogue images—immediately.
Not only was this abrupt, but it also left the sales force in the lurch, with no practical support for handling ending operations.
Struggling for Answers
The email named a Division Sales Manager, “N”, as our go-to for “any queries, next steps, and available support.” However, my own attempts to reach out were met with silence. Understandably, “N” may have been overwhelmed by the sheer volume of questions and the magnitude of the news. I, like many, was left with more questions than answers.
Sales Force Left with Stock and No Support
What struck me hardest was the lack of empathy for the sales force like myself. The directive to immediately cease using all Tupperware branding was clear, but there was little consideration of the stock—purchased with our own savings—that many of us now had on hand. There was no word about buy-backs, compensation, or even advice on how to sell through this inventory, especially when we could no longer publicly use the Tupperware name or images.
The Warranty Black Hole
Unsurprisingly, after the shutdown, countless customers contacted me for clarity about their Tupperware warranties—long seen as a cornerstone of the brand’s reputation. I’m sorry to say that I have not received any official word from Tupperware about honouring or continuing Singaporean customers’ warranty claims after the market’s closure. I can only confirm that the Singapore-based Service Centre closed shortly after the email announcement.
The Business Impact—And How I’m Coping
As a business owner, I have been badly affected. Not only am I left with an inventory of stock I may not be able to move, but there has also been no opportunity to continue making my side income. The wider Tupperware community in Singapore feels abandoned and anxious about the future.
Why Did This Happen? The Global Picture
Tupperware has faced mounting financial difficulties for years. Once a household name synonymous with home parties and durable kitchenware, the company has struggled with debt, changing consumer habits, and the shift towards digital shopping. In 2023, global headlines reported Tupperware facing the risk of bankruptcy as it scrambled to renegotiate its loans and secure new sources of funding. In 2024, its main creditor group effectively took over, forcing the company into a wide-ranging restructuring.
Part of that restructuring involved closing down many international markets—including Singapore, where operations officially ended in December 2024. Other regions in Asia, as well as parts of Europe and Africa, have also seen Tupperware withdraw completely or scale down operations.
Where Is Tupperware Still Active?
After these mass closures, Tupperware’s main operations seem focused on a handful of core markets:
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
- Brazil
- China
- Korea
- India
- Malaysia
In Closing
I wish there were more closure—for myself and for my customers—after so many years of loyal partnership. To everyone who reached out with support, questions, or simply to share the sense of shock, thank you. If new information or official guidance comes in, I will update this post and my website.
