Case Study Snapshot
- Client: AgroFresh
- Role: Product Specialist
- Sector: Agricultural Technology and Fresh Produce
- Market: Spain
- Search Type: Exclusive Retained Executive Search
- Outcome: Specialist product leader appointed to support Spanish market expansion
Supporting Market Growth in a Complex Local Environment
As part of its expansion strategy, AgroFresh was preparing to increase adoption of its SaaS platform among fruit and vegetable growers and packers in Spain. To support this objective, the business required a Product Specialist capable of combining technical product knowledge with strong local market understanding.
Recognising the complexity of recruiting within the Spanish agri-tech environment, the CEO engaged LCR International to lead this strategically important appointment. Internal introductions to global teams ensured alignment across international stakeholders from the outset.
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A Highly Localised and Specialist Brief
The successful candidate needed strong technical capability, familiarity with agricultural production systems, and the ability to communicate effectively with growers, packers, and internal teams. Fluency in Spanish and cultural awareness were essential to building credibility in the market.
Previous recruitment activity had highlighted the difficulty of sourcing professionals with this precise combination of skills. Lengthy and complex hiring processes had also delayed earlier appointments, increasing operational pressure.
These factors made the search highly targeted.
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Aligning Stakeholders and Mapping Regional Talent
LCR commenced the assignment with a comprehensive briefing involving senior leadership and relevant global teams. This enabled us to clarify role expectations, performance measures, and cultural requirements while addressing previous recruitment challenges.
Using our specialist knowledge of the Spanish fresh produce and agri-tech markets, we conducted an extensive regional talent mapping exercise across Spain and neighbouring countries. This broadened the candidate pool while maintaining strict alignment with the role profile.
All approaches were conducted discreetly and professionally, ensuring confidentiality and consistent candidate engagement throughout the process.
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Delivering a Market-Ready Product Specialist
Through structured in-person interviews and formal online assessments, LCR developed a strong shortlist well ahead of schedule. This enabled the client to progress efficiently through interviews and into offer discussions.
The successful candidate demonstrated strong alignment with AgroFresh’s technical standards, customer engagement objectives, and organisational culture. Following appointment, the new Product Specialist began supporting platform adoption, strengthening customer relationships, and improving product utilisation.
This appointment has supported the company’s continued growth in the Spanish market.
