Winners make powerful case for entering EFTTEX awards in September

The EFTTEX Best New Product Awards are back, offering exhibitors marketing opportunities that money can’t buy.

Every business that has a booth at Europe’s trade showpiece has a unique opportunity to put their products centre-stage and in full view of the industry’s media by entering the Best New Product Awards.

Angling International has spoken to businesses from across the globe who have enjoyed the limelight of winning awards and made the most of the marketing and promotional opportunities that follow.

Sandy Ogata, of FirstDart from Singapore, says: “Winning an EFTTEX award positively influences both how we are perceived externally and how we evolve internally. Outwardly, it enhances the industry’s perception of our capabilities, innovation and product quality – leading to tangible benefits like increased enquiries and heightened brand awareness, as well as sales. Internally, it’s a validation that our commitment to innovation delivers real results, motivating our team and reinforcing our strategic direction.

“Recognition from EFTTEX has certainly elevated our brand profile. While sales are ultimately driven by having the right product that meets the buyer’s needs, visibility plays a crucial role in getting that product and company noticed. Winning an award from a respected organisation helps us stand out and builds trust, possibly translating into increased commercial opportunities, not only for the winning product but across the board.

“An EFTTEX award is a marketing asset that gives credibility to our innovation and product quality, which can be leveraged across advertising, trade shows and other marketing and communication tools. EFTTEX is one of the most respected trade shows in the sportfishing industry, and participating in its Best New Product Awards already carries significant value. While winning is certainly a desirable achievement, simply being part of the competition is a win on its own.”

Nigel May, Dinsmores, UK (above left): “Winning an award definitely enhances the profile of the product and the company. For sure, as a leading manufacturer of non-toxic fishing shot, to get recognised creates a positive profile for our business and it has helped increase sales. I would recommend companies enter the Best New Product Awards. It gives your products more credence than in-house generated advertising.”

Erick Arnoldson, Livingston Lures, USA (below, left): “Winning an award at a major trade show is a powerful validation of our team’s hard work, innovation and dedication to quality. It signals to the industry that Livingston Lures is not only keeping pace with evolving angling needs but also helping to define the future of fishing technology. It reinforces our reputation as a forward-thinking brand committed to excellence.

“Awards significantly boost our visibility both within the industry and among consumers. Retailers, distributors and media outlets take greater interest in our product lines, while customers see the award as a stamp of credibility and performance. It opens doors that might otherwise take months or years to reach.

“We’ve seen a direct correlation between award-winning products and increased sales, particularly in the month’s following the recognition. Buyers are more inclined to stock an award-winning item and consumers are more likely to try a lure that’s been recognised by the industry. The award becomes an evergreen marketing tool. We integrate it into packaging, digital campaigns, dealer promotions and social media storytelling. It gives our sales reps a compelling talking point and our marketing team a strong foundation for brand-building narratives.

“I would strongly encourage exhibitors to enter the Best New Product Awards. Beyond the potential win, the process forces you to evaluate your product through the lens of innovation, consumer benefit and market potential. And if you do win, recognition can be a game-changer in terms of credibility and opportunity.

“Trade show awards aren’t just trophies – they are endorsements from industry peers and experts. They bring energy and focus to product launches and have helped us scale our reach, especially in international markets.”

Simon Jefferies, Cortland Fishing Line, USA: “Winning awards for your new products is extremely important to a company. It confirms that all the hard work on product development has paid off and gives the people responsible for the product a huge boost.  Award-winning products are always a good way to boost the company’s profile and confirms to our customers that we always looking for ways to improve our products.

“Sales of the Headwater fly line that won at Angling International Live last year have been very good and it is clear that the award help to boost these sales. I would encourage companies to enter the awards. If nothing else – and you don’t actually win an award – it still puts your product front and centre at the show.”

Free entry to EFTTEX for visitors

Tackle suppliers seeking extra sales in Europe will be gathering in Brussels… and you can meet them for free. Any professional in the tackle trade can gain FREE entry to EFTTEX – Europe’s number one trade show – by simply being invited as a guest by an exhibitor.
Are you connected as a customer, supplier or potential trade partner of an exhibiting company? If so:

• Remind the exhibitor to login to its page on the EFTTEX website;
• Once there, the exhibitor can invite unlimited guests;
• Look out for your confirmation email;
• You will get your visitor badge details one week before the show;
• Free guest passes are open to retailers, agents, wholesalers and even other manufacturers.

EFTTEX takes place in Brussels, Belgium between September 10th and 12th.