PPL helps Czech companies grow in foreign markets through the DHL Export Prize competition

The competition provides companies with a platform for sharing experiences, exchanging valuable know-how, and establishing strategic business contacts. Interested parties may apply by September 15, 2026.

The DHL Export Award, a successful competition with a long-standing tradition that supports, recognizes, and connects Czech exporters from the ranks of small and medium-sized enterprises, is returning this year after a hiatus of several years. This year’s partner is the leading Czech carrier PPL, which brings to the competition, among other things, its expertise in last-mile delivery. Indeed, efficient and reliable delivery to the end customer is one of the key factors for success today, both in the Czech Republic and in foreign markets.

“I’m pleased that we can show small and medium-sized businesses how e-commerce and direct-to-consumer delivery abroad can be an effective path to international growth. At PPL, we are a stable domestic partner for Czech companies, and thanks to the backing of the strong DHL Group, we also open doors for them to markets across Europe and around the world. We strive to make sending shipments across Europe just as easy for Czech entrepreneurs as sending them to a neighboring town,” says Petr Horák, CEO of PPL CZ.

PPL also demonstrates that expanding abroad is no longer the exclusive domain of large companies. Thanks to technological advancements and modern logistics solutions, small and medium-sized businesses can also successfully offer their products to customers across Europe and around the world. “Many Czech e-shops have the products and pricing to succeed abroad, but they often hesitate unnecessarily. Yet today, the technological and procedural possibilities are completely different from what they were years ago. Customers across Europe view Czech companies very favorably, and opening up foreign markets is no longer the exclusive domain of the biggest players,” adds Horák.

PPL is responding to growing demand and high customer expectations regarding speed and service quality by steadily expanding its network in the Czech Republic and abroad. Consumers now have access to more than 10,600 PPL boxes and PPL shops in the Czech Republic and more than 165,000 partner pickup locations across Europe.

Who is eligible to apply, and where can they apply?

This year’s DHL Export Prize will feature four categories: Small Company, Medium-Sized Company, Exporter to Asia, and the Prize for Successful Exports to High-Risk Countries, which is being awarded this year by EGAP, the competition’s partner.

Small and medium-sized enterprises based in the Czech Republic that can demonstrate they export their products or services abroad are eligible to participate in the competition. Specific evaluation criteria and category definitions are outlined in the rules for this year’s competition on the competition website. Participation offers them not only the opportunity to win a prestigious award, but also a platform for sharing valuable experiences and establishing new business contacts.

The winning companies will receive media coverage and access to practical know-how through workshops and networking events with export experts. In previous years, the awards have gone to fast-growing companies from various industries, including Alensa (a retailer of contact lenses and eyeglasses), Footshop (a shoe retailer), and Prusa Research (a manufacturer of 3D printers).

Competition Schedule

• Applications may be submitted until September 15, 2026

• Announcement of results: November 3, 2026

• More information and registration: www.exportnicena.cz

 

About the DHL Export Prize

The DHL Export Award was established in 1997 under the DHL Express banner. Its goal is to recognize exceptional export achievements, share inspiring stories, and support the internationalization of Czech companies. The competition has long been a respected platform for bringing together exporters, industry professionals, and export partners.