Why apply for the Australian Export Awards

Understand the benefits for exporters participating in the Australian Export Awards.

The Australian Export Awards recognise and promote Australia’s most outstanding exporters. Applying for the awards is an opportunity to showcase your international success, strengthen your business profile and position your organisation for future growth in global markets.

The awards also recognise the contributions of exporters to Australia’s economic priorities, including trade diversification, sustainability, First Nations outcomes, innovation and strengthening Australian manufacturing capability.

Hear from the 2025 winners on why applying for the Australian Export Awards is worth it.

Build credibility in global markets

Being recognised through the Australian Export Awards demonstrates that your business meets a high standard of export performance, innovation and impact.

This recognition can help:

  • build trust with international customers and partners
  • support market entry into new regions
  • strengthen your brand in competitive global markets 

Case study: Three Warriors

Three Warriors, the 2025 Small Business winner, sells and manufactures award-winning salon quality self-tanning products with ethically sourced ingredients from Tasmania.

Three Warriors CEO Corbin Halliday says the award has added momentum to the company’s export success and over the past year, Three Warriors has:

  • launched into Harrods OK (in-store and online),
  • expanded exports across the UK, US, New Zealand and Europe, and
  • started building a manufacturing facility in Tasmania to strength their supply-chain resilience.

With a three-year global expansion plan underway and new European markets on the horizon, the Australian Export Awards win has helped Three Warriors build creditability in the global market.

‘Having an Australian Export Award behind us strengthens our credibility and opens new doors internationally,’ says Halliday. ‘The (application) process itself is invaluable, helping you reflect on how far you’ve come and what makes your brand ready for the world stage.’

Gain national recognition backed by Austrade

Finalists and winners are recognised at a national level through a program delivered by Austrade in partnership with states and territories.

This provides:

  • formal recognition of your export success
  • association with Australia’s national trade and investment agency
  • opportunities to be featured in national communications and promotion

Hear how Austrade has supported these Australian Export winners.

Raise your profile with customers, partners and investors

Participation in the awards can significantly increase your visibility.

Finalists and winners benefit from:

  • media and promotional opportunities
  • increased exposure across Austrade and partner networks
  • enhanced credibility with investors and stakeholders

Case study: PWR Advanced Cooling Technology

PWR Advanced Cooling Technology is a world leader in providing and manufacturing world class cooling solutions to motorsports teams around the world and to the defence, aerospace, renewable energy and industrial sectors.

PWR has a long history with the Australian Export Awards, winning the Small to Medium Manufacturer Award category in 2011 and 2012 and the Australian Exporter of the Year award in 2012. In 2025, PWR also won the Manufacturing and Advanced Materials award category.

‘Winning the Australian Export Awards Manufacturing and Advanced Materials award is a momentous achievement for the business and its international profile. But its true value to us is in recognising our team members’ dedication and effort over the years.’ says CEO Matthew Bryson.

From humble beginnings in a small factory on the Gold Coast in 1987, PWR has increased their Australian and international profile to now become the technical partner of choice for leading race teams around the world, including Formula 1, NASCAR, WRC, Dakar ad Australian V8 Supercar.

‘Austrade has played a critical role in PWR’s pivot from a predominantly motorsports brand to a more diversified business with a growing focus on aerospace and defence,’ Brayson says. ‘Austrade has promoted our business at trade shows, helped foster relationships with US customers, and exposed us to the intricacies of overseas markets.’

Strengthen your export strategy

The application process itself provides an opportunity to reflect on your export performance, strategy and growth.

Many applicants find value in:

  • articulating their export story and achievements
  • identifying areas for growth and improvement
  • benchmarking their performance against peers

Celebrate your team and achievements

The awards provide a platform to recognise the contribution of your team and celebrate success.

This can help:

  • boost team morale and engagement
  • recognise the effort behind export success
  • reinforce a culture of growth and ambition

Tailored benefits for different exporters

For small and emerging exporters

The awards provide an opportunity to build early credibility and accelerate your export journey.

Applicants can benefit from:

  • increased visibility as a growing exporter
  • recognition that supports expansion into new markets
  • stronger positioning when engaging customers, partners and investors
  • the opportunity to showcase early success and momentum

For First Nations exporters

The awards provide a national platform to recognise and elevate First Nations businesses achieving success in international markets.

Applicants can benefit from:

  • increased visibility and recognition at a national level
  • opportunities to showcase unique products, services and cultural strengths
  • connection to broader Austrade and government networks
  • support in building commercial partnerships and market opportunities

Case study: Munda Wines

Munda Wines, the First Nations winner in 2025, is a premium, Aboriginal-owned, national wine company. They work with Traditional Owners, winemakers and grape growers across Australia, crafting benchmark expressions of wines in the regions where they shine. Over the past 3 years, the business has gone from concept to export. It now proudly sells into Canada, Malaysia and the US.

‘To other exporters, we’d say: back your difference. Authenticity and courage create markets that didn’t exist before.’ - Pauly Vandenbergh, Founder and Chair of Munda Wines.

After winning the First Nations export award in 2025 Munda Wines went on sign two partnerships to showcase their products to international audiences – Qantas and LIV Golf. Munda Wines is now part of the prestigious Qantas International First and Business Class inflight wine program. They were also selected as the official player gift for all LIV Golf competitors from the 2026 event.

Austrade also supported Munda Wines to attend a trade mission to Japan in 2025. The mission included a range of industry showcase events, attendance at the World Expo in Osaka and several industry-specific introductions.

‘It was enormously valuable as a fact-finding mission,’ says Vandenbergh. ‘It allowed us to hone our international messaging with immediate feedback.’ - Pauly Vandenbergh, Founder and Chair of Munda Wines.

For established exporters

The awards recognise sustained export success and leadership in international markets.

Applicants can benefit from:

  • reinforcing global reputation and brand strength
  • differentiating in competitive international markets
  • demonstrating leadership in areas such as innovation, sustainability and trade diversification
  • enhancing credibility with global partners and investors

If your business is succeeding in international markets, we encourage you to apply and share your story.