IF you are one of the many inveigled into buying a plastic Tupperware food storage container at a neighbour's "product party" don't be surprised at being invited around for another sociable evening at the Murphys, this time to buy shares in the company.

The American Tupperware Corporation, known as much for its home based selling techniques as for its range of food storage containers, is now marketing its shares to the public following a recent listing on the New York stock market.

Over 85 per cent of Tupperware sales and the bulk of its profits are generated outside the United States. The product lines are sold in more than 100 countries, mostly through part time agents at private neighbourhood parties. Last year, sales totalled 51.4 billion.

There are erroneous rumours that the company, in search of product diversity, will be entering the bra wars with a unique Tupperware brassiere that, while it neither lifts nor separates, at least guarantees to keep what you have fresh. Ridiculous.