Pembrokeshire-based manufacturer FRIO UK, which exports insulin cooling products to 70 countries worldwide, has seen its latest product shortlisted for a major outdoor industry award.

The Wolfscastle based company, maker of the world’s first patented insulin cooling wallet for diabetics, has been shortlisted for the UK Outdoor Industry Award, run by the Outdoor Industries Association (OIA).

Launched this year, the family-run company’s new Zipper Viva Wallet features FRIO’s water-activated crystal technology and keeps insulin, anaphylactic shock pens and other temperature sensitive medication cool for days.

Having been successfully shortlisted, the innovative product will now go ahead to the final judging stage at The Telegraph Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show being held at the ExCeL centre London in February. The winners will be announced at a gala dinner in Harrogate in March.

Andrew Denton, Chief Executive of the Outdoor Industries Association, said: “We were very impressed with FRIO’s zipper wallet - it helps give those who rely on insulin access to the great outdoors, and it is very much our mission to support getting everyone active outdoors at the OIA.”

Chris Wolsey, Managing Director of FRIO UK said: “We are absolutely thrilled that our latest product has been recognised by these prestigious awards and are really looking forward to the event in February.

“We are always looking to develop our products further to suit the needs of our customers, as reflected in the new zipper wallet. With one in 16 people being diagnosed with diabetes our products have never been in more demand.”

FRIO first rose to prominence when it supplied the British Olympic squad at Atlanta ‘96, and is now currently exporting 85% of its total production.

It’s new range of products for the outdoor pursuits and adventure markets were launched at the Outdoor Trade Show in Coventry in September. As well as the Zipper Viva Wallet, these included newly designed drinks coolers and a roll-up wrap that’s designed to keep cosmetics cool to maintain their quality.

Established in 1996, the company has doubled its export markets from 35 five years ago to 70 today and now has a multi-million pound turnover, with the United States as one of its biggest growth markets from 5,000 units in 2011 to 100,000 this year.