How did the Aflac duck mascot originate?

The Aflac duck originated when an advertising agency heard ducks quacking in Central Park, sounding like the company's name, Aflac.

What was the financial impact of the Aflac duck campaign?

The Aflac duck campaign is estimated to be worth nearly $200 million and significantly boosted Aflac's business and stock value.

How much did the Aflac duck increase brand recognition?

The Aflac duck campaign dramatically increased Aflac's brand recognition from 11% to 94% between 2000 and 2014.

Home / Business and Economy / Aflac's $200M Mascot: Born from a Park Bench Quack

Aflac's $200M Mascot: Born from a Park Bench Quack

2 Dec

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Summary

An agency heard ducks in Central Park sounding like 'Aflac'.
The iconic duck campaign launched in 2000, boosting Aflac's business.
Aflac's brand recognition soared from 11% to 94% post-campaign.

Aflac's $200M Mascot: Born from a Park Bench Quack

The genesis of Aflac's beloved mascot, the Aflac duck, is an unexpected tale rooted in a casual park meeting. Advertising executives, while sitting on a bench in New York City's Central Park, were struck by the sound of ducks, which they realized sounded remarkably like the insurance company's name.

This serendipitous discovery led to the debut of the "Park Bench" commercial in 2000. Despite initial reluctance from CEO Dan Amos, who worried about making light of the company's name, the campaign proved transformative. It not only boosted Aflac's business significantly but also catapulted its brand recognition from a mere 11% to an impressive 94%.

The success of the Aflac duck is quantifiable, with the mascot's campaign estimated to be worth nearly $200 million. Beyond its financial impact, the duck has become a pop-culture icon, achieving numerous accolades, including induction into the Advertising Walk of Fame and a prominent feature in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.