New accounts deliver ROI for EFTTEX award-winner
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Dragon Tackle says its decision to exhibit at EFTTEX has already paid off despite lower-than-expected visitor numbers. It has secured two new Spanish accounts and opened discussions with additional prospects, including a potential customer from South America.
The UK-based company believes those new accounts alone justify its presence at the Barcelona event, while further business generated from leads could strengthen the show’s return on investment even more.
“Although the show was quiet, we opened two new Spanish accounts and took orders we would not have gained without exhibiting in Barcelona,” said company owner Terry Clease (above). “EFTTEX also continues to serve as an important meeting point for our European network, although many of our regular contacts did not attend this year’s exhibition.”
Despite his concerns over attendance, Clease remains firmly committed to the show and has already confirmed Dragon Tackle will exhibit at EFTTEX 2027 in Prague. “Europe needs a prestigious tackle show where all members of the trade can meet,” he said. “Without EFTTEX, Europe will have no presence in the worldwide tackle trade.”
Clease believes attendance could be improved through stronger promotion, greater backing from EFTTA – owner of the EFTTEX brand and Europe’s trade representative body – and encouraging more major tackle brands to exhibit.
“The larger tackle companies need to be encouraged to participate to give the show credibility. We need to create an event that has enough to interest all levels of the trade, from retailers and distributors to manufacturers, while offering good value for exhibitors and visitors.”
One of the highlights of the exhibition was Dragon Tackle winning the Best Hybrid Lure award for its Gamechanger lure. Clease said the accolade was particularly significant because it came ahead of entries from some of the world’s largest lure manufacturers.
“We spent the last year refining its movement and I believe its ultra-mobile design sets it apart. The scalable concept also allows the lure to be produced in much larger sizes for predators such as musky, while offering virtually unlimited colour options.”
The award also demonstrates that the company’s expertise extends beyond its traditional fly-tying heritage. “Every lure is hand-crafted by our skilled fly tyers, allowing subtle design changes without the need for huge production volumes. We see hybrid lures combining traditional hard and soft lure bodies with individually crafted fur, feathers and other fly-tying materials as an important growth area.”
Away from the show floor, Dragon Tackle says 2026 has marked a major turning-point for the business following several difficult post-pandemic years.
Clease said a key driver has been the transfer of all European operations to Dragon Tackle Europe (DTE), its new Poland-based company, which enables unrestricted distribution throughout Europe without customs barriers. “The move has resulted in substantial business growth, although the increased demand has created its own challenges,” admitted Clease.
“Sales increased beyond expectations and we simply did not have enough skilled tyers to fulfil orders as quickly as usual. We have since expanded the workforce and are well positioned to meet demand in 2027.”
Looking ahead, Clease is optimistic that strong European growth will continue, while increasing sales in South America are expected to provide another important area of expansion over the coming year.
