The Spanish Association of Exporting Companies (ARVET) held the fourth edition of its Export Awards at Feria Valencia. The event followed the entity's General Assembly and highlighted the positive momentum of its associated companies despite the complexities of the international economic context.
ARVET's Director General, Manuel Herrero, noted that 2025 was "a very special year" with double-digit growth in turnover, employment, and exports, diversifying markets and reaching challenging destinations. Herrero recalled the organization's role in facilitating companies' international expansion through a network of delegations in over fourteen countries, which has enabled channeling sales worth six million euros in difficult-to-enter markets.
The president of ARVET, Vicente Llatas, emphasized the commitment of the associated companies and the support from administrations and collaborating entities to boost internationalization.
The awards recognized three companies: MAPELOR – La Pajarita, KERKOM 360, and EBIR Bathroom Lighting, for their different models of international success.
MAPELOR-La Pajarita received the Business Initiative award for its project in Mexico, based on local adaptation and commercial alliances, achieving 44% export growth and 105 international clients. CEO Belén González explained that Mexico offers an opportunity for the US market and Latin America, while highlighting the cultural and mental differences that required adapting the commercial model.
The Export Effort award went to KERKOM 360 for its consolidation in complex markets like Colombia, Venezuela, and Cuba with an innovative retail-oriented management model. CEO Jesús Gabriel López stated that the company aims to lead markets, not just export, and stressed the importance of thorough analysis for each destination.
EBIR Bathroom Lighting was honored with the Business Trajectory award for over three decades of sustained growth and consolidated international presence, reaching 15 million euros in exports in 2024 across 26 countries. Marketing and Sales Director Raúl Ribé highlighted the export vocation as part of their family DNA and the need for enthusiasm and planning.
An Honorary Award was presented to Salvador Serrano Sastre, a pioneer in the international expansion of Bombas Ideal in the seventies, who shared anecdotes about the era's challenges and advocated for the importance of personal relationships with clients.
The Director General of Industry of the Generalitat Valenciana, Julio Delgado, closed the event, reiterating the regional administration's commitment to business internationalization and ARVET's role as a strategic partner.
The day also included a presentation by mentalist Toni Pons, who reflected on the importance of attitude and mindset when facing business challenges.
