48e Nord International is proud to organize the MERCADOR AWARDS for Abitibi-Témiscamingue, and we’re thrilled to launch the 6th edition of the MERCADOR AWARDS Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
Around here, exporting is something worth celebrating. This initiative recognizes and showcases exporting companies from our region that stand out on international markets. Our entrepreneurs are selling Abitibi-Témiscamingue know-how across the country and abroad, and that’s exactly what we want to highlight.
As a member of Commerce International Québec, 48e Nord International acts as project lead for Abitibi-Témiscamingue. We coordinate this event with pride, and we invite companies from the region to submit their candidacy in the various MERCADOR AWARDS categories.
HOW TO REGISTER
Winners in each category will have the opportunity to represent our region at the MercadOr Québec Export Gala, taking place on February 27, 2027.
You can register now by writing to marc-andre.dulude@48inter.com, until September 18, 2026. One of our advisors will follow up with you after that.
Award categories and eligibility criteria
General criteria
- The competition is open to SMEs (fewer than 500 employees), except for the Exporter of the Year – Large Enterprise category, reserved for companies with more than 500 employees
- Companies must be at least 51% Canadian-owned and reinvest the majority of their profits in Québec
- Publicly traded companies are eligible
- All companies must have a major establishment in the nominating region and hold decision-making authority there for market development outside Québec
- Export sales must be outside Québec. Note that Canada (provinces and territories other than Québec) counts as an export market (country)
- Companies that received a MercadOr Québec award in 2024 cannot compete in the same category this year
“New Exporter” category
- Must have been exporting for less than 5 years, i.e. since 2021
- Must be present in at least one geographic market (Canada outside Québec and the United States each count as one market)
- Must have generated at least $20,000 in annual export sales (outside Québec and/or internationally)
“Market Diversification” category, Under $5M | Over $5M
- Must have started exporting at least 3 years ago, i.e. in 2023, 2024, and 2025
- Must export to more than 2 geographic markets (Canada outside Québec and the United States each count as one market)
- Must have developed a new geographic market within the past three years, i.e. since January 1, 2023
“Sustained Export Growth” category
- Must have been exporting for at least 5 years, i.e. before January 1, 2021
- Must export to at least two geographic markets (Canada outside Québec and the United States each count as one market)
- Must demonstrate a growing export average over the past 5 years
“Export Leader” category
- Must have been exporting for more than 5 years (i.e. since 2021)
- Must be present in at least two geographic markets (Canada outside Québec and the United States each count as one market)
- Must have an internal resource dedicated to exporting
- Must generate more than 70% of annual revenue from exports in the most recently completed year, OR generate a minimum of $3M CAD in annual export sales
“Exporter of the Year – Large Enterprise” category
- Must have revenue exceeding $50 million
- Must stand out for the number of different markets served
- Must generate more than 70% of annual revenue internationally, OR generate a minimum of $10M CAD in annual international sales
- Must have an internal team dedicated to exporting
- Must offer innovative products and/or solutions
- This category’s administration, including candidate recruitment, will be handled entirely by IQI, in collaboration with the ORPEX network
Other distinctions
Beyond the MercadOr Awards themselves, special prizes will be given to select companies:
- Jury’s Choice
- Jury’s Choice – Sustainable Development
- Jury’s Choice – Diversity and Inclusion
- Exporter of the Year – SME
