GV Products from Riemst, Quinta Essentia Software Development from Diepenbeek, and Tribù from Zutendaal were the winners of the first Unizo Export Awards. "With this, we awarded Limburg SMEs which achieved exceptional export performances in the past year" stated Commissioner Marc Vandeputte, who supports the project financially. "These awards should inspire other entrepreneurs to start thinking and working more internationally.”

The first winner (for export to neighbouring countries) was GV Products from Riemst, which manufactures steel roof elements and facade coping, and markets these worldwide under the Alcotile and Romatile brand names.

QuESD NV from Diepenbeek received the Export Award for exceptional export performance in Europe. The company CEO Eddy Schuurmans provides very specific software, including SportVAS and SoccerLAB - two tools for sports clubs to further their performances through video analysis. Teams using these software programmes include Porto, Ajax and the Chinese football team.

The award for worldwide export performance went to Tribù from Zutendaal, which designs and sells luxurious outdoor furniture. As at the present date, CEO Lode De Cock has managed to increase exports to 55 countries. The main markets are France, Germany, the USA, and Australia. In terms of the emerging markets, Brazil, India, and Saudi Arabia scored best.