EFTTEX organiser: This is your gateway to 30 million anglers

Over 150 products have already been entered in the first ever digital EFTTEX Awards so far with more than two weeks to go before the deadline.

Istvan Pal, who has spearheaded a return of Europe’s premier new product showcase alongside fellow EFTTA Board members Ciro Esposito and Rudi Heger, has expressed his delight at the response so far.

Pal told Angling International: “It is always a hard task to launch a new project, but we have received good feedback from different players within the industry. A promising number have already sent in their entries and others are still preparing theirs.”

Pal says the awards offer the ideal platform for global brands to gain a stronger foothold in an established and diverse angling market. “We are doing our best to encourage them to take part. The European market deserves an accurate picture of what all the brands have on offer.

“My message to them is clear – ‘come and join us’. The showcase is built in such a way as to reach dealers, retailers and anglers across Europe. It is a great opportunity for all to show what they have to offer.”

Pal added that the strongest category so far is Carp & Feeder. “EFTTEX did not have anything for this section in the past, but its performance shows how strong it is across Europe. Saltwater is a little under-represented and we are doing our best to encourage brands to nominate their products and give their new launches the exposure they deserve.

“It is encouraging to see a good mix of regular EFTTEX exhibitors and new brands taking part. The market is changing fast, with COVID responsible for a strong increase in sales. However, the approaching recession is changing that dynamic. The European market remains strong with close to 30 million anglers and that is reflected in entries to the EFTTEX Awards so far.”