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INTERNATIONAL TRADE
FRIO Wallets Manufactured by hand in the UK
FRIO to establish purpose-built headquarters and a distribution centre on their farm in Haverfordwest. Life at FRIO changed in 2011 when Garnet suffered a major stroke. Chris, then head of a successful construction company, stepped in as Managing Director of FRIO UK Ltd. Despite his condition, Garnet remained a sharp adviser until his passing in late 2018. Design evolution and recognition Over the years, the design of the FRIO wallet has evolved. Initially seen as a functional item in classic blue covers, recent years have seen more creative designs, with FRIO wallets becoming fashion accessories. Receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise is a massive tribute to everyone involved with FRIO. Chris expresses pride in the recognition, noting its impact on lifting the profile of the FRIO brand globally and helping improve the lives of millions of people. He says: “It is a true honour to receive this award. I’m incredibly proud of our small team of just 15 employees, and all past employees who have worked at FRIO, together they have contributed in the success of receiving such an incredible accolade. To be able to use the King’s Award for Enterprise emblem on our products and literature for the next five years is a priceless stamp of approval and will mean the FRIO
Chris and Tudor Williams Discussing our next International Shipment.
It is reactivated by placing in water again for a shorter amount of time and can be used repeatedly. A FRIO will keep in-use insulin and other temperature sensitive medications within safe temperatures of 18-26°C (64.4-78.8°F) for a minimum of 45 hours, even in a constant environmental temperature of 37.8°C (100°F). This makes FRIO ideal for people living in hot countries, holidaymakers, or those out on warm summer days. FRIO wallets are suitable for a range of temperature-sensitive medications and are used by people with, for example, Crohn’s, inflammatory bowel disease, anaphylaxis, asthma, glaucoma, MS, and any medication that needs to be kept below 30°C or 25°C. A cottage industry turned international business The FRIO story is one of a cottage industry turned into an international business. Chris Wolsey, a farmer and entrepreneur, remembers prototypes being handmade in the kitchen of his family’s farm near Haverfordwest: “There was a lot of development carried out on the kitchen table with scissors flashing and material being cut and sewn! We must have gone through hundreds of versions before resembling a wallet similar to the one we know today.” Things took off for FRIO 18 months later when
Garnet visited Lloyd’s Pharmacy and picked up a massive order for 24,000 units, with fulfilment required in just eight weeks. The family quickly scaled up production, installing four 40-foot Portacabins on the farm and employing local machinists to meet the order. Expanding market reach In the UK, FRIO grew quickly as more people with diabetes learned about its necessity in hot weather and when on holiday. Exports also grew, initially in mainland Europe, with strong markets in Germany, Holland and Switzerland. Chris reports that exports have progressed steadily through developing strong relationships within export markets rather than relying on big budgets. The US proved a more challenging market. Initial advertising efforts yielded variable success until diabetic nurses in America helped open the market. One nurse’s husband, diagnosed with diabetes, later joined FRIO, building the business in the US. FRIO also established a presence in Canada and the Middle East, further expanding its reach. Support and growth The Welsh Government has provided significant support to FRIO, helping the company attend major pharmaceutical exhibitions and offering business and financial aid. This support enabled
brand will be recognised even further as a trusted product. “I am thrilled about the impact this award will have, helping us to further improve the lives of millions of people with diabetes and other
medical conditions around the globe.”
Christopher Wolsey, Managing Director of FRIO UK Ltd
FRIO UK LTD Whiteleys, Little Treffgarne, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 5DY Tel: 01437 741700 • sales@frioworldwide.com www.friowordwide.com and www.friouk.com
King’s Awards Magazine 2024
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