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, explains: “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