The competition gives businesses a platform for sharing experience, passing on valuable know-how and building strategic business contacts. Applications are open until 15 September 2026.

The DHL Export Award (Exportní cena DHL), a successful competition with a long tradition that supports, rewards and connects Czech exporters among small and medium-sized companies, is returning this year after a break of several years. One of this year's partners is the leading Czech carrier PPL, which brings to the competition, among other things, its know-how in last-mile delivery. Efficient and reliable delivery to the end customer is now one of the key factors for success in Czechia and on foreign markets alike.

“I am glad we can show small and medium-sized businesses how e-commerce and delivery to end customers abroad can be an effective route to international growth. At PPL we are a stable domestic partner for Czech companies, and with the backing of the strong DHL Group we also open the door for them to markets across Europe and beyond. We want sending shipments across Europe to be just as simple for Czech businesses as sending them to the next town,” says Petr Horák, CEO of PPL CZ.

PPL is also showing that expanding abroad is no longer reserved for the big players. Thanks to technological development and modern logistics solutions, small and medium-sized companies can successfully offer their products to customers across Europe and around the world. “Plenty of Czech e-shops have the products and the pricing to succeed abroad, yet they often hesitate needlessly. In terms of both technology and processes, the options today are in a completely different place than they were years ago. Customers across Europe have a very good opinion of Czech companies, and opening up foreign markets stopped being the preserve of the largest players a long time ago,” adds Horák.

PPL is responding to growing demand and to customers' high expectations of speed and service quality by continuously expanding its network in the Czech Republic and abroad. Consumers now have more than 10,600 PPL boxes and PPL shops at their disposal in Czechia and more than 165,000 partner pickup points across Europe.

Who can enter, and in which category?

This year's DHL Export Award will be contested in four categories – Small Company, Medium-Sized Company, Exporter to the Asia Region, and the Award for Successful Exports to High-Risk Countries, which is presented this year by the export credit insurer EGAP, a partner of the competition.

The competition is open to small and medium-sized businesses based in Czechia that can demonstrate that they export their products or services abroad. The specific evaluation criteria and the definitions of the categories are set out in this year's rules on the competition website. Taking part offers not only the chance to win a prestigious award, but also room to share valuable experience and make new business contacts.

The winning companies gain media exposure and access to practical know-how through workshops and networking meetings with export experts. Previous years have seen awards go to fast-growing players from a range of fields, including the contact lens and eyewear retailer Alensa, the footwear store Footshop and the 3D printer manufacturer Prusa Research.

Competition timetable

  • • Applications can be submitted until 15 September 2026

  • • Results announced: 3 November 2026

  • • More information and registration: www.exportnicena.cz

About the DHL Export Award

The DHL Export Award was created in 1997 under the DHL Express banner. Its aim is to recognise outstanding export performance, share inspiring stories and support the internationalisation of Czech companies. The competition has long been one of the respected platforms where exporters, the professional community and export partners come together.