DHL Launches the 10th Atlas Export Awards to Boost Spanish SMEs

The international logistics company DHL has excitedly announced the opening of applications for the 10th DHL Atlas Export Awards. These awards, already established as a benchmark in the Spanish market, celebrate their tenth anniversary, reaffirming the company's commitment to raising awareness and promoting the international reach of Spanish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

 

Since their inception, these awards have been a fundamental driver for promoting the internationalization of the Spanish business community, especially for those SMEs that represent a key part of economic growth and job creation in Spain. The initiative seeks to recognize not only commercial success but also the effort, innovation, and best practices these companies implement to compete in increasingly demanding global markets.

 

 

“It is a great pride for us to be able to say that we are on our way to celebrating the 10th edition of these already consolidated and benchmark awards in the market, which have also allowed us to showcase incredible stories and companies with exceptional human value,” the company highlighted.

 

 

This year, the awards seek to recognize the excellence of SMEs in their export ventures through four main categories:

 

 

Atlas Export Grand Prize

 

Aimed at the company with the greatest growth in terms of exports. This category assesses key aspects such as market diversification—that is, how a company manages to expand its international sales to different countries or regions; sustained growth in international sales; the economic impact generated both locally and nationally; the effectiveness and strategic coherence of its export processes; its contribution to strengthening the brand Spain; as well as its business trajectory, which demonstrates consolidation and future projection.

 

Most Innovative Export Award

 

This award is given to a company that has implemented significant innovations within the export process. Considered are aspects such as originality and differentiation in products or services offered; effective adaptation to new markets with creative strategies; advanced use of digital or logistics technologies; significant investment in research and development (R&D); and active registration of patents or intellectual property that provides a competitive advantage.

 

Most Sustainable Export Award

 

It recognizes companies committed to integrating sustainable actions into the export process. This includes responsible environmental practices—such as reducing environmental impact during production or transportation—clear corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies, internationally recognized environmental certifications (e.g., ISO 14001), as well as comprehensive strategies to promote economic, social, and environmental sustainability throughout their entire production and logistics chain.

 

Export Award through E-commerce

 

Specifically aimed at SMEs that have achieved significant growth through cross-border e-commerce. Their overall digital strategy is assessed: platforms used for international online sales, digitalized customer experience, logistics capacity adapted to e-commerce, concrete results in online sales, and how they actively promote the international marketing of Spanish products through digital channels.

 

The registration period is open until July 25, 2025, at 23:59 p.m. Applications must be submitted exclusively using the forms available on the official websites. www.premiosdhlatlas.com o www.dhl.esCompanies can choose to enter one or more categories as they see fit.

 

The initiative has the institutional backing and prestigious strategic support of key entities such as:

 

• The State Secretariat for Trade belonging to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise,
• Adigital (Spanish Association of Digital Economy),
• The Official Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Services and Navigation,
• Cesce (Spanish Export Credit Insurance Company),
• The Spanish Club of Exporters and Investors,
• The Spanish Renowned Brands Forum,
• ICEX Spain Export and Investment.

 

This solid institutional support reinforces not only the prestige but also the resources available to support the winning SMEs throughout their post-recognition export process.

 

Selection Process and Additional Criteria

 

After the initial registration period closes, a first phase will be held, in which up to seven finalists will be selected for each category. These companies must submit a detailed dossier that includes updated corporate information; comparative data on their exports between 2023 and 2024 demonstrating real growth; as well as any other relevant qualitative or quantitative information to justify their candidacy.

 

In addition, the following will be especially valued:

 

• Effective and innovative implementation of inclusive policies,
• Active promotion of cultural diversity and effective gender equality,
• Robust policies related to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

 

The jury will be composed of seven distinguished representatives from DHL, ICEX, the Leading Spanish Brands Forum, the Official Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Services, and Navigation of Spain, the Spanish Club of Spanish Exporters and Investors, Adigital, and Cesce. This panel will evaluate additional general criteria such as:

 

• Demonstrated sustainable growth in international sales,
• Comprehensive digital strategy applied to foreign business,
• Visible multiculturalism within the sales team in charge,
• That fundamental processes such as production, design, and R&D are carried out entirely within Spanish territory, thereby directly supporting national employment.

 

Awards and Presentation Ceremony

 

Winners will receive an exclusive commemorative sculpture designed specifically for the DHL Atlas Export Awards. Additionally:

 

• The DHL Atlas Grand Prize will include a maximum prize of up to 4.000 euros earmarked specifically to fund a trade mission organized jointly by DHL Express and an Official Chamber of Commerce chosen by the winner. This mission will expand international trade networks by facilitating direct, on-site strategic contacts.
• The remaining winners in the Innovative, Sustainable, and E-commerce categories will receive cash vouchers of up to 2.000 euros exclusively for international shipping using the entire DHL specialized logistics network, ensuring maximum efficiency.

 

The official ceremony, where all the award winners will be publicly announced, will take place in person in Madrid on October 20, 2025. This special event also includes a firm commitment to gender equality: it will be expressly requested that the four representatives designated by each winning company present during the awards roundtable be exactly 50% female and 50% male, ensuring truly equal diversity. The organization reserves the right to request replacements if this percentage is not strictly adhered to.

 

Ultimately, these competitions represent a unique and invaluable opportunity for all Spanish SMEs with an international focus who wish not only to be recognized but also to continue growing globally thanks to the boost provided by these prestigious awards.