Three County Armagh companies have been selected for Lidl's 2026 supplier development programme.

Mac Ivors Cider in Portadown, Island Salads in Craigavon and Juist, the canned apple juice brand from McAlisters Apples in Loughgall, are among 16 small and medium suppliers from Northern Ireland chosen for the six-month scheme.

The programme allows the companies to supply products to Lidl stores across the island of Ireland. Mac Ivors Cider will offer its Medium Cider and Plum and Ginger Cider. Island Salads will supply Fruit Trifle and Black Forest Trifle. Juist will provide canned apple juice.

The scheme provides business support on production efficiency, product development, packaging, marketing and scaling. Lidl has invested more than £4 million in Northern Irish producers through the programme since its launch in Northern Ireland in 2018.

It is backed by the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association. The scheme has supported 60 agri-food businesses and showcased more than 80 home-grown products.

Previous participants from County Armagh have included Amore Treats, Bakers Wee Buns, Jackson Roze and New Found Joy. Holmes Bakery in Portadown secured a permanent listing with its traybakes and cakes.