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Interview with Cotter Farms

Custom Product Stands

At Mallow Printing Works, we take pride in helping businesses showcase their products in the best possible way. Recently, we had the pleasure of working with Cotter Farms, a family-run business based in North Cork, to design and produce custom product stands for their 100% Irish Gluten-Free Porridge.

We sat down with Billy Cotter to talk about his business, the importance of visibility in retail, and how our stands have helped promote their brand.

Tell us about Cotter Farms and how they started the porridge business?

Billy Cotter: Cotter Farms is run by my brother Bernard and me. We farm just outside the village of Castletownroche in North Cork, and in 2022, we decided to diversify our farm to add value to what we produce. We saw the growing demand for healthy, locally sourced food, and oats stood out as an excellent option. They’re incredibly nutritious and versatile, and Ireland has the perfect climate for growing them. We planted a crop of gluten-free oats, harvested
them, and converted one of our farm buildings into a mill where we now process them into 100% Irish Gluten-Free Porridge. It’s a true field-to-bowl process that we oversee every step of the way.

What led you to consider using product stands for your porridge in retail stores?
Billy Cotter: When we started supplying stores, we quickly realised that shelf space can be competitive. While our porridge has strong branding, it needed a better presence in stores to attract customers. A custom product stand allowed us to showcase our product in a way that grabs attention and tells our story. We wanted something eye-catching, professional, and designed to fit our brand identity.

What was important to you in the design of your product stand?
Billy Cotter: We wanted something that reflected our brand—clean, natural, and strong. The stand had to be durable, easy to place in different store layouts, and compact enough to fit within retail spaces. We also needed clear branding and messaging to make it obvious that our porridge is 100% Irish and gluten-free. Mallow Printing Works really took all these factors into account and delivered exactly what we needed.

How did you find the process of working with Mallow Printing Works?
Billy Cotter: It was excellent from start to finish. You really listened to what we needed and came back with a design that fit perfectly. The ability to fully customise the stand, from the size to the design and even the material, was a huge plus. The turnaround time was quick, and the quality exceeded our expectations. It was a seamless experience.

‘IT WAS EXCELLENT FROM START TO FINISH.’

Billy Cotter

Since launching the stands in stores, what kind of impact have they had?
Billy Cotter: The stands have made a huge difference. Our porridge is now much more visible, and retailers love having a dedicated display for it. Customers have commented that it stands out and looks premium, which is exactly what we wanted. We’ve seen an increase in sales, and some retailers have even reordered our stands because they see how well they work.

Would you recommend custom product stands to other businesses looking to grow in the retail sector?
Billy Cotter: Absolutely. If you want your product to stand out and create brand recognition, a custom product stand is a fantastic investment. It helps customers connect with your product, and it gives retailers an easy way to promote it. Having a partner like Mallow Printing Works who understands branding and quality makes all the difference.