This year, the Export and Innovation Award in the “Export Champion” category was presented to "Knauf", whose export success is driven by highly skilled employees, premium-quality products, and the use of locally sourced raw materials. The “Innovation Champion” award went to "SAF Tehnika", recognized for its significant investments in research and development, as highlighted by data from the Central Statistical Bureau.
"You, exporting companies, are ambassadors of our nation's people, values, and ideas. You inspire young people to learn, to seek their paths to mastery and excellence, and to create new stories about our Latvia. You are an example of how to be innovative and pursue progress," said the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkevics, in his speech during the official awards ceremony held at Riga Castle on the premises of the National Museum of History.
This year, the "Leader in Export Growth" award for companies with up to 249 employees was presented to "Edge Autonomy Riga", while the title for companies with more than 250 employees was claimed by "Balticovo".
In the “Export Newcomer” category, the award went to "Aeonpump". Meanwhile, the "Most Exportable New Tourism Product" award in the SME group was claimed by the wellness complex “Ziedlejas”. In contrast, in the associations, foundations, state, and municipal institutions group, the title was awarded to the Centre of Technics and Industrial Design “Engineering Arsenal”.
The competition is the highest state award in entrepreneurship, organized by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) in cooperation with the Ministry of Economics, the Central Statistical Bureau (CSP), the financial institution Altum, and the Latvian Exporters Association “The Red Jackets”.
The Minister of Economics, Viktors Valainis, addressed the ceremony participants: "I am proud of Latvia's exporters and their remarkable achievements in international markets. We must always remember that these exporters, who bring revenue to Latvia, are the driving force of our economy. They are bold entrepreneurs who take risks, explore new markets, and invest in developing innovative solutions."
Companies were evaluated across five categories: Export Champion, Innovation Champion, Export Growth Leader, Export Newcomer, and Most Exportable New Tourism Product. The winners were determined by a jury that carefully assessed data from the Central Statistical Bureau, including the company’s export performance, added value, profitability, employee numbers, and other key indicators.
"The Export and Innovation Award has become the most significant event of the year for entrepreneurs, celebrating courage, boldness, and the ability to make purposeful investments in research and development, expand in export markets, attract investments, and ensure employee well-being. Latvia has established itself as a shining presence in global export markets, ranking among the leaders in various product segments. This award not only recognizes achievements but also serves as an inspiration for others - those who are courageous, creative, and enterprising," said LIAA Director General Ieva Jagere.
Two special awards were presented at the event. The "Safest Exporter" award, given by the financial institution "Altum", was awarded to "Greenterra", while the Central Statistical Bureau's special award was awarded to "Testdevlab" for reporting investments in research and development for the first time.
According to the competition rules, winners in the first three categories were determined based on data from the Central Statistical Bureau and the jury's evaluation. Meanwhile, in the categories of "Most Exportable New Tourism Product" and "New Exporter," candidates had the opportunity to apply for the competition themselves, with the jury selecting the laureates after a more in-depth review of the companies' activities.
Laureates of the Export and Innovation Award 2024:
- Export Champion: LTD "KNAUF"
- Export Growth Leader (companies with up to 249 employees): LTD "EDGE AUTONOMY RIGA"
- Export Growth Leader (companies with more than 250 employees): JSC "BALTICOVO"
- Innovation Champion: JSC "SAF TEHNIKA"
- New Exporter: LTD "AEONPUMP"
- Most Exportable New Tourism Product (SMEs group): Wellness complex "Ziedlejas"
- Most Exportable New Tourism Product (associations, foundations, planning regions, or municipal institutions group): Daugavpils Center of Technical and Industrial Design, “Engineer Arsenal” Exhibition
More about the competition: www.eib.liaa.gov.lv