On the evening of 11 December, CENIT – the Textile Intelligence Centre, in partnership with ANIVEC – the National Association of the Clothing and Garment Industries, hosted the Business Excellence Awards ceremony. The initiative recognises the merit and innovative capacity of Portuguese companies in the Textile and Clothing Industry, reinforcing the sector’s profile in both national and international markets.

The event, with artistic direction and production by Associação ModaLisboa, took place at the Palácio da Bolsa in Porto and honoured six companies that stood out for technological advancement, international expansion, commitment to sustainable practices and a forward-looking strategic vision. In the Investment category, the award was presented to Fapomed, while Fortiustex received the Export award for its cross-border growth. Cunha & Ribeiro was recognised for its Turnover, and CBI stood out in Industry 4.0 for its technological leadership. The Brand award was presented to Play Up for its innovative positioning, and Twintex received the Sustainability award for its ongoing commitment to responsible practices.

The Business Excellence Awards were part of the MODAPORTUGAL LINKS event, which also included the European Young Fashion Designers Competition, marking the culmination of an initiative to promote the Portuguese Textile and Clothing Industry among specialised European Designers and journalists.

On December 9th and 10th, participants had the opportunity to visit five leading companies and technology centres — CITEVE, INOVAFIL, Irmãos Rodrigues, Pedrosa Rodrigues and Valérius 360 — gaining first-hand insight into the sector’s dynamics and production capabilities.

On 11 December, eighteen young Designers from eight prestigious European schools — Aalto University (Finland), Institut Français de la Mode (France), Polimoda (Italy), ESAD, Faculty of Architecture of the University of Lisbon and Modatex Porto (Portugal), London College of Fashion (United Kingdom) and HEAD Genève (Switzerland) — gathered at the Palácio da Bolsa to present their projects to an international jury chaired by Eduarda Abbondanza and comprising Adriano Batista, Inês Amorim, Reid Baker, Livio Facchini, Miguel Flor, Mira Wanderlust and Serge Carreira. The collections were subsequently showcased in a fashion show.

The Best Collection Award was presented to Vicente Aycaguer, from the Institut Français de la Mode. The competition also distinguished one designer from each participating country: Tilda Wallius (Aalto University, Finland), Nancen Capici (Polimoda, Italy), Sílvia da Torre (Modatex Porto, Portugal), Alaa Alaradi (HEAD Genève) and Calum Holmes (London College of Fashion, United Kingdom). Vicente Aycaguer also received the award representing France.

MODAPORTUGAL LINKS is part of the Lusitano Project, funded by the PRR – Recovery and Resilience Plan and the Next Generation EU European Funds.