DUKE'S UNVEILS, TUBBY, FIRST MASCOT IN 105-YEAR BRAND HISTORY

RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in its 105-year history Duke's Mayo has introduced Tubby, a mascot personifying Duke's Twang! Adorned with shifty eyes and shaggy brows, the mascot's physical appearance and saucy personality left Duke's fans wondering what was happening when he took control of Duke's brand channels last week to announce himself. 

When it comes to the mascot's personality, Duke's fans learned, the apple doesn't fall far from the Twang tree. The mascot announced himself through a series of tweets, selfies, and interactions with cult-like fans beginning with, "HELLU WRLD." Then, after a getting a taste of his personality, fans were asked to come up with his name. "HEY TWEETER, I NEED A NAME. NOT LIKE A TWEETER NAME, LIKE A NAME NAME. LIKE THE KIND YOU PUT ON NAME TAGS. WHAT SHOULD IT BE????"

"Tubby, the mascot, is one more way Duke's continues to shake up the condiment category and connect with its customers," said Rebecca Lupesco, Duke's Brand Manager of Mayohem. "We're the rebels in an all too traditional category, and we've given ourselves permission to have some fun with this character who is passionate, curious, and a little unhinged."

The mascot engaged with Duke's fans, media personalities, celebs, and brands including, Dolly Parton, Taco Bell, and Krystal. The self-proclaimed single jar appeared to be on a mission to find himself a date, tweeting to @Wendy's "HEYYYY WENDY. U FREE FRYDAY?" and "TELL WENDY 2 CALL. THIS JAR SINGLE." Fans of Duke's Mayo responded with unparalleled enthusiasm for Tubby posting comments such as "my new spirit animal," and "never wanted to kiss a mascot before yet here we are."

"Tubby is bold and not afraid to express himself," said Lupesco. "He's actually quite charming -- I can't wait to see what he does next. One thing is for sure -- fans can expect to see Tubby at the Duke's Mayo Classic in Charlotte on September 3rd ."

The mascot is one more way Duke's has been deepening its consumer engagement this year with a series of culturally relevant events including free tattoos, a regional restaurant week known as Hot Tomato Summer, and the House of Twang video series highlighting the behind-the-scenes of Southern kitchens.

For more updates, follow Tubby via Duke's Instagram page.

Duke's Mayonnaise was created in 1917 in Greenville, S.C. by Eugenia Duke. Since then, Duke's has been adding southern flavors to make good things better. In addition to the flagship mayonnaise, which is still made according to the founder's original recipe, Duke's offers light, olive oil, and flavored mayonnaises, tartar sauce, sandwich relish and regionally inspired Duke's Southern Sauces, dressings, and mustards. Duke's is the Official Condiment of the Tailgate and title sponsor of the Duke's Mayo Classic & Duke's Mayo Bowl. For more information, visit dukesmayo.com or follow @dukes_mayonnaise on Instagram.