Initiative will initially source experienced fresh produce talent in Ireland, Morocco and Egypt, before expanding to certain Asian markets and others
Fresh produce executive recruitment specialist Redfox Executive Selection has launched a new international project connecting UK and European businesses directly with experienced fresh produce professionals in key production and supply markets around the world.
The UK-based business is using its network – developed through more than 23 years in fresh produce, agriculture and horticulture – to identify trusted, on-the-ground ‘country experts’ who can support businesses looking to develop new sourcing, supply, production and commercial opportunities internationally.
The initiative is initially focusing on Ireland, Morocco and Egypt, where Redfox says it has already generated strong interest from experienced industry professionals.
It will shortly expand into Turkey, India, China and Thailand, with further fresh produce markets planned.
The country experts will cover disciplines including commercial development, sourcing, procurement, growing, agronomy, technical, supply chain, operations and market entry.
Rather than operating purely as a traditional recruitment service, Redfox will connect relevant experts with UK and European clients requiring specific in-country knowledge and expertise.
Assignments could range from initial market advice and introductions, through to consultancy, sourcing projects, interim assignments, ongoing advisory relationships and, where appropriate, permanent appointments.
Max MacGillivray of Redfox Executive Selection said: “If fresh produce businesses want to grow, ultimately, they need to find more profitable sales and opportunities. Increasingly, some of those opportunities are going to come from markets, suppliers and networks beyond those they already know.
“We’re not pretending that sitting in the UK means we know everything about growing, sourcing or doing business in Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, India, China or Thailand. What we do have is a very extensive network and the ability to find and collaborate with experienced people who genuinely do know those markets.
“The principle is incredibly simple: we connect good businesses with good people who have genuine knowledge on the ground and let them explore what they can create together.”
The initiative is also designed to work in the opposite direction, providing established fresh produce professionals internationally with access to Redfox’s extensive UK and European client network.
Country experts do not necessarily need to be seeking permanent employment. Redfox is looking to engage with experienced professionals interested in consultancy, advisory, interim, project-based and commercial collaborations, as well as those open to permanent opportunities.
MacGillivray added: “There is an extraordinary amount of knowledge sitting within the international fresh produce industry. We see an opportunity to use the network we’ve built over more than two decades to bring some of those people and businesses together.
“We make the introduction. Where the relationship goes from there could be anything from a single piece of advice to a significant long-term commercial collaboration.”
Redfox is now inviting UK and European fresh produce businesses looking for expertise or commercial opportunities in international markets to make contact.
It is also seeking experienced fresh produce country experts across Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, India, China and Thailand, with further countries to be announced.
