Aragorn Ltd, a subsidiary of Zespri, will develop new business in processed products for Zespri Gold. It will use Zespri International's logistics and other resources as needed and is free to form joint ventures and other partnerships in New Zealand and overseas. Its aims are to make money for growers and shareholders from processing and it is expected to become profitable in the medium term.

'Aragorn will be the exclusive avenue to source and control all Zespri Gold kiwifruit that Zespri International does not commit to fresh fruit sales, including class II and Class III,' said Peter Stanes who has been appointed executive chairman of the new company. 'It may also procure green and organic fruit, high brix and high flavour fruit that does not meet the Zespri standard on appearance and is not included in a Zespri programme.' The company will define its own specification for what it will term Aragorn grade fruit. 'We will be endeavouring to earn profitable returns from processing ventures by adding value to every part of the fruit,' said Stanes