Rob Carter: Want to stand out in 2026? Win an EFTTEX award

When we take on a new advertiser at Angling International, we always offer to make a free article to introduce that advertiser to our global readership. To raise awareness amongst their potential customers our first question is, what makes you different? Or to put it another way, what can we say about your brand or your products that we can’t say about any of your competitors?

A former owner of one of Europe’s biggest tackle brands told my Editor last year that it has never been easier to launch into the market. But because of that, it’s also never been more difficult to stand out. You would be surprised by how many advertisers need to stop and think about what makes them different.

But in today’s tackle industry, with scrolling for content at its heart, standing out isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Which brings me to Barcelona in June, and to the EFTTEX awards. You want to stand out? Thousands of new products will launch in 2026, yet fewer than 30 will earn the right to call themselves EFTTEX Best New Product Award winners.

Angling International will once again be sponsoring the EFTTEX awards. I’m looking forward to being on stage in Barcelona. But more than that. I’m looking forward to offering tackle suppliers the chance to earn true differentiation in a crowded market – and the path towards real commercial advantage.

Winning – or even being shortlisted – instantly elevates your product above the noise. For B2B customers, it builds trust and confidence. For consumers, it signals quality and innovation. In both cases, it gives your marketing a sharp, credible edge that competitors simply can’t replicate.

The first step along the path is to be an exhibitor at EFTTEX. There are still spaces left on the show floor, but not many. The second step is to focus your energies on entering the awards. Select your best products and define them sharply. And while any moment on stage is special in its own right, the real value comes after, at stage three: when winners’ stories are showcased to more than 10,000 industry professionals through Angling International.

The impact is tangible – and proven. Win an EFTTEX Award and you boost your business in three key ways:
• More credibility with your B2B customers
• A more motivated team, recognised for a job well done
• Increased post-show sales

But don’t just take my word for it. We’ve been speaking to past winners around the world as part of our promotion of the awards, and the benefits are clear:

A winner from Australia told us: “It can bring a real benefit to the business and it rewards the team who invest a huge amount of time and creative thought into new products.” From Italy came this response: “There’s no doubt it brings new business opportunities, especially in export markets.” From the USA: “They validate the direction that we are taking and grow our standing amongst European anglers.” Bulgaria: “We promote our success across several channels and it ultimately contributes to increased sales.” And Poland: “Receiving an award brings tangible business benefits including increased visibility and stronger credibility with partners and clients.”

And the visibility starts immediately:

• Your new products will be seen by leading buyers on the EFTTEX show floor
• Your brand and tackle will be featured in Angling International
• You’ll gain credibility, media exposure and strong sales potential

There’s no better incentive to secure your booth at EFTTEX for June 10th-12th in Barcelona.

And remember, as you consider being a part of Angling International with your differentiated brand and products, sponsoring the EFTTEX Awards is only part of Angling International’s commitment to helping tackle brands grow beyond their home markets. If you are ready to expand internationally and connect with new export partners, we are here to help make that happen. Just remember, we will be asking that key question. In a world populated with thousands of tackle suppliers, make sure yours is one of those that truly stands apart.