Now Shimano announces its entries into the EFTTEX New Product Awards

Shimano will be taking part in the EFTTEX New Product Showcase, defending an impressive record of success that saw it win four awards in the digital event last year.

Shimano is a serial winner at the awards, primarily with its iconic line-up of reels which have proved a favourite year-on-year. The announcement of its line-up of entries for 2023 comes just days after fellow global super power Pure Fishing announced its decision to enter products into the awards, which are due to take place in Budapest in June.

Tim Bouwens, Marketing Leader – Fishing at Shimano Europe, told Angling International: “Within the development of new products, Shimano always pursues the absolute best in technology innovation. The Best New Product Awards give us the ability to showcase our latest innovations and it’s also a great platform to reach the industry.

“Winning awards shows that our products are being valued and appreciated within the market and enhance the angling experience by combining technical performance and new technological innovations with outstanding aesthetic design.”

Bouwens added that Shimano’s award-winners resonate perfectly with Shimano’s mission to promote health and happiness through the enjoyment of nature and the world around us. “Our products play a vital role in creating a connection between people and nature. Therefore, we dedicate our time to making those special moments as memorable and enjoyable as possible by using our products. Being recognised for that in the end is, of course, amazing.”

Shimano’s roll of honour last year included the Aero Technium MGS (Carp & Feeder category), Aldebaran BFS and Stella FK reels (both Spinning & Baitcasting) and the Sustain Spinning rod (Spinning & Baitcasting).

Of the foursome, Bouwens picked out the success of the Stella FK as the most pleasing. “The Stella is our flagship model and throughout our history it has been the one that always introduces the new technologies and features within our range of reels on the market.”

At this year’s awards, rival tackle makers will be facing stiff competition from a formidable line-up of proven Shimano products. These include the recently launched Vanquish Spinning Reel (above left), Power Aero Big Pit Reel (above right) and Calcutta Conquest MD Baitcasting Reel. Additionally, Shimano has re-entered the pole market with the AERO Pro Competition Pole and introduced another technology to its range of hard bait lures with the Bantam ARMAJOINT Flash Boost 190F/190FS.