Since 1989, the Icelandic Export Award has recognized significant contributions to promoting export trade and acquiring foreign currency. 

The purpose of awarding the Export Award is to draw attention to the economic importance of foreign currency acquisition and international business and to honor those who have successfully sold and marketed Icelandic products and services abroad. The award takes account of growth in export value, the share of exports in total sales, marketing in emerging markets, and more.  

The recipient is awarded a unique work of art from an Icelandic artist. They can use the award’s logo on their promotional material for five years after receiving the award.

The awarding committee includes representatives from the Office of the President of Iceland, the University of Iceland’s Faculty of Business and Economics, the Icelandic Chamber of Commerce, and the Icelandic Confederation of Labour and Business Iceland, which is also responsible for the preparation and costs of the award ceremony.

Recipients

  • 2022 EFLA

  • 2021 Controlant

  • 2020 Íslensk erfðagreining

  • 2019 Marel

  • 2018 Sjóklæðagerðin - 66°Norður

  • 2017 Skaginn

  • 2016 Nox Medical

  • 2015 Icelandair Group

  • 2014 Truenorth

  • 2013 HB Grandi  

  • 2012 Trefjar ehf.

  • 2011 Ferðaþjónusta bænda hf.

  • 2010  CCP hf.

  • 2009  Vaki fiskeldiskerfi hf.

  • 2008  Baugur Group

  • 2007  Lýsi hf.

  • 2006  3X-Stál hf.

  • 2005  Kaupþing banki hf.

  • 2004  Bláa lónið hf.

  • 2003  Samherji hf.

  • 2002  Delta hf.

  • 2001  GoPro Landsteinar hf.

  • 2000  Bakkavör hf.

  • 1999  Flugfélagið Atlanta hf.

  • 1998  SÍF hf.

  • 1997  Hampiðjan hf.

  • 1996  Hf. Eimskipafélag Íslands

  • 1995  Guðmundur Jónasson hf.

  • 1994  Sæplast hf.

  • 1993  Íslenskar sjávarafurðir hf.1992 

  • Össur hf.

  • 1991  Flugleiðir hf.

  • 1990  Marel hf.

  • 1989  Sölumiðstöð hraðfrystihúsanna hf.

Honorary award

Along with the Export Award, a special honorary award is presented to a person who has enhanced Iceland’s reputation internationally through their work. The honorary award has been awarded since 2008; see recipients below.

  • 2022 Víkingur Heiðar Ólafsson

  • 2021 Baltasar Kormákur

  • 2020 Hildur Guðnadóttir

  • 2019 Hallfríður Ólafsdóttir (Maxímus Músikús)

  • 2018 Heimir Hallgrímsson

  • 2017 Vigdís Finnbogadóttir

  • 2016 Helgi Tómasson

  • 2015 Arnaldur Indriðason

  • 2014 Magnús Scheving

  • 2013 Jóhann Sigurðsson bókaútgefandi

  • 2012 Ragnar Axelsson (RAX)

  • 2011 Kristinn Sigmundsson           

  • 2008 Björk Guðmundsdóttir          
    Einar Benediktsson sendiherra
    Rögnvaldur Ólafsson dósent

President of Iceland Export Awards