IEA Announces DHL Global Forwarding as New Sponsor of the Export Industry Awards 2026

Now in its 24th year, the Export Industry Awards are Ireland’s premier platform recognising outstanding achievement in international trade. The Awards bring together exporters from across manufacturing, agri-food, life sciences, technology, and services, highlighting the innovation, resilience, and global ambition of Irish businesses.

The Awards are made possible through the support of a broad group of sponsors and partners spanning logistics, supply chain, professional services, education, government, support agencies, and other key sectors that are central to Ireland’s export ecosystem. This collective support ensures the continued success and growth of the programme, which showcases the strength and diversity of Ireland’s exporting community.

DHL Global Forwarding joins this established group of partners in supporting the 2026 Awards programme, reinforcing the importance of global connectivity and efficient trade flows in enabling Irish exporters to compete successfully in international markets.

Simon McKeever, CEO, Irish Exporters Association commented: “We are delighted to welcome DHL Global Forwarding as a sponsor of the Export Industry Awards 2026, joining a strong group of partners who support this important celebration of Irish exporting excellence.

Our sponsors play a vital role in enabling the Awards to recognise and showcase the achievements of exporters across Ireland. We are grateful for DHL Global Forwarding’s support and for the continued commitment of all our sponsors to strengthening Ireland’s global trade connections and celebrating the success of Irish exporters on the international stage.”

Quote from DHL Global Forwarding: “We are proud to support the Export Industry Awards 2026 and to partner with the Irish Exporters Association in recognising the achievements of Ireland’s exporting community. In an increasingly complex global trading environment, reliable connectivity and resilient supply chains are more important than ever. As a Global leader in freight forwarding, DHL Global Forwarding is committed to working closely with Irish exporters to simplify complexity, unlock new markets, and support sustainable international growth. We are delighted to support the Awards programme and to contribute to strengthening Ireland’s global trade connections today and for years to come.”

About the Awards

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, DHL Global Forwarding, 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 are open from 9th March 2026 and close on 15th May 2026.