Once upon a time, beaches across Australia were covered in beach umbrellas. A visit to the beach was not complete without the obligatory brolly.  

Despite increased awareness of the dangers of the sun and the need for increased protection from its rays, the brolly has become extinct.  Co-Founder and CFO of Cocopani, Australia’s newest beach accessory company, Fleur Evans is determined to revive the popularity of the beach umbrella across Australia and ensure beaches are once again covered in beach umbrellas. Fleur and her partner recently launched Cocopani and it is already growing at a significant rate. The company designs, manufactures and sells high quality designer beach umbrellas and other sun-safe accessories. The designer umbrellas come in a range of designs and are ideal for the beach, BBQs, parks, picnics, sport, poolside and other outdoor activities.

"I am pleased to announce that the Cocopani beach umbrella has achieved an excellent Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating of 50+, the highest available within Australia," Ms Evans said today.

"I identified a need in the market for quality beach umbrellas while on a trip to the beach withmy partner in Sydney, thinking we would be able to buy one on the way.  After many hours of fruitless searching, I bought the only available cheap umbrella and it didn't even last the day.

“I realised there was a whole market here in Australia for strong, yet lightweight, fashionable umbrellas.

“We decided to create designer beach umbrellas to provide Australians with a quality sun protection product that could be used anywhere.

“We are grateful to the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency for their recognition of the Cocopani travel umbrella with the excellent UPF50+ rating.

“Though we may lather on the sunscreen, it usually isn’t enough.   Many people get sunburnt just sitting by the water at the beach, pool or even just at home gardening.

“The Cocopani umbrella isn’t just for the beach, it can be set up at home while barbequing or hanging out by the pool.    It is very light and easy to carry around and simple to put up.

“I have very fair skin and always have to be careful when I am outside in the sun.  While the Australian summer is beautiful, and warm and perfect to be outside, we have to be so careful.  Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70.

“Our customers at various festivals have commented on how unique, bold and lovely the umbrellas are and we strive to keep the brand fresh and fun.

“Cocopani embodies the love of summer and a passion for beach living – be it at Bondi or the Gold Coast.  We want our customers to feel safe from the sun and have an affordable, fashionable option to stay sun safe.

"Our products can be purchased online and delivered to your door.

"We are now receiving enquiries from stockists across Australia and from customers overseas.

"I am not sure why the Aussie brolly disappeared, but we are determined to bring it back and judging by the level of sales and interest we have received from people across Australia and overseas, so is everyone else."