IEA Opens Applications for Export Industry Awards 2026

Celebrating 24 Years of Excellence in Irish Exporting

The Irish Exporters Association (IEA) has opened applications for the Export Industry Awards 2026, marking 24 years of recognising the achievements of Irish exporters. Supported by Platinum sponsors KPMG Ireland and Trinity Executive Education, Trinity College Dublin, alongside industry category sponsors, the awards celebrate excellence across Ireland’s export sector.

This year, there will be 13 award categories spanning manufacturing, life sciences, food and drink, services , logistics, export compliance and partnerships, with a focus on sustainability, innovation , AI and market diversification. This year’s awards are held under the theme of “Holding Course ”, honouring the Irish businesses that have stayed the course and continued to grow internationally despite turbulent global markets. The overall Exporter of the Year will be selected from the winners of the individual categories.

Simon McKeever, CEO of the IEA, says:

“Irish exporters are operating in one of the most challenging and fast – moving global environments we have seen to date . Tariffs, supply chain disruption, currency volatility, and shifting trade relationships . The headwinds are real, and yet Irish companies continue to grow, adapt and compete with remarkable skill and ambition. That is exactly what these awards exist to celebrate.
The awards give businesses the opportunity to showcase their achievements, share best practice and celebrate the success of Ireland’s export community. We are deeply grateful to our Platinum sponsors, KPMG Ireland and Trinity Executive Education, Trinity College Dublin, and to all our sponsors this year, whose support makes this possible and reflects a shared commitment to Ireland’s exporters.”

Niall Savage, Head of Private Enterprise, KPMG, says:

“KPMG is proud to return as Platinum sponsor of the Export Industry Awards. Exporters are the risk – takers, the entrepreneurs who look beyond the island and build businesses that drive our economy forward. I would encourage all eligible businesses to apply and give your business and teams the recognition of a prestigious award.”

Michael Flynn, Director of Executive Education, Trinity Business School, says:

“At Trinity Executive Education, we are proud to collaborate with the Irish Exporters Association in sponsoring the Export Innovation of the Year award. Innovation is at the heart of Ireland’s export success, reflected in the exceptional products and services that Irish companies deliver to markets around the world.”

The Export Industry Awards 2026 are supported by Platinum sponsors:

KPMG Ireland and Trinity Executive Education, Trinity College Dublin, alongside Category sponsors: Ace Express Freight, An Post Commerce, Bord Bia, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Dixon International Logistics, Enterprise Ireland, InterTradeIreland and Moffett Automation.

The winners across all 13 categories will be announced at the Export Industry Awards Ceremony & Gala Dinner on 20th November 2026. The overall Exporter of the Year will be revealed on the night, selected from the individual category winners.

Applications  re open from 9th March 2026 and close on 15th May 2026.

About the Export Industry Awards

The Irish Exporters Association’s Export Industry Awards, now in its 24th year, is the premier event for recognising the achievements of Irish exporters and has grown in strength and recognition each year. The awards put a spotlight on the exporting companies and service providers who have excelled across the industry, particularly against the backdrop of an increasingly complex and competitive global trading environment.

Exporting businesses remain an essential part of Ireland’s economic success. The Export Industry Awards celebrate those Irish businesses that continue to succeed internationally, driving Ireland’s growth and prosperity.

Over 500 export industry professionals are expected to attend the black-tie gala dinner on November 20th.

For more details about the Export Industry Awards 2026, including the list of categories and how to apply, visit: www.irishexporters.ie/export-industry-awards

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