'It was important for AFFCO as it made its next step that the person leading the company commanded complete respect and did not have his own commercial fruit interests,' said Peter McClymont, deputy chairman and former chairman. 'John brings this independence and experience to the helm of AFFCO.' The company was established in 1995 by some of Australia's leading apple growers, packers and marketeers and now some 34 different fresh produce lines are produced or traded within its network. It co-ordinates the country's Pink Lady export programme and is also looking to develop its network further.