How we helped Agrana build their UK sales force with 2 strategic hires
Agrana Case Study: Strengthening UK Commercial Teams in Dairy & Foodservice
Overview
Agrana, an Austrian-based leader in food and ingredients, specialises in fruit, starch, and sugar production. With a global footprint across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, Agrana supplies high-quality ingredients to the food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and animal feed sectors.
In 2023, Agrana’s UK fruit division sought to expand its commercial team with a Business Development Manager responsible for the Dairy & Foodservice channels. While the company had a strong presence in dairy, the Foodservice and QSR channel was new territory in the UK but strategically important for long-term growth.
The challenge was finding a candidate who could seamlessly manage existing dairy relationships while also driving growth in the Foodservice/QSR market.
Specific Requirements for the Search
- Proven B2B sales track record in the ingredients market.
- Deep network and experience within dairy and ice cream sectors.
- Experience selling B2B ingredient solutions into Foodservice/QSR channels, working closely with internal NPD teams.
Our Approach
Briefing & Stakeholder Alignment: We engaged with Agrana’s HR and European commercial leadership teams, both in person at FiE and virtually, to fully understand expectations for the role.
Market Benchmarking: Provided insights on salary ranges and market trends to help attract top-tier talent.
Market Mapping: Identified competitors and organisations active in the dairy and Foodservice/QSR sectors, producing a longlist of 89 qualified professionals.
Targeted Outreach: Approached a curated subset of candidates with transparent insights into Agrana’s UK vision, growth plans, and the opportunity for career progression.
Screening & Presentation: Delivered a shortlist of thoroughly vetted candidates including CVs, video introductions, executive summaries, and behavioural assessments.
Interview Management & Negotiation: Coordinated all interview stages and managed offer negotiations, aligning expectations between Agrana and the candidates.
The Challenge
Finding candidates with expertise in both dairy and Foodservice/QSR was initially a concern. Most professionals in the market specialise in one or the other. Using market data collected early in the search, Agrana adjusted their approach, allowing us to identify two exceptional professionals who together fulfilled the dual objectives:
- Yasin Shaikh – A Dairy Technologist turned sales professional with in-depth knowledge of both dairy and non-dairy markets.
- Ryan Gaskin – An accomplished sales professional with a proven track record of building business from scratch within the Foodservice and QSR sectors, particularly major coffee chains.
Both hires have integrated seamlessly and delivered immediate impact.
Candidate Testimonials
Ryan Gaskin:
"I am grateful to Jamie for his exceptional work in securing my role at Agrana. He understood my career goals, provided valuable market insights, and supported me through every stage. His professionalism and dedication made all the difference."
Yasin Shaikh:
"Working with Jamie was an exceptional experience. He provided clear guidance, constructive feedback, and maintained open communication throughout. His industry knowledge and support were invaluable in securing my new role at Agrana."
About Paragon Talent
At Paragon Talent, we specialise in connecting businesses in the flavours, fragrance, and ingredients sectors with exceptional talent globally. With nearly 15 years of industry experience, our founder and director, Jamie, has successfully delivered talent solutions across Europe, the US, and beyond.
We help businesses build commercial, technical, and leadership teams, providing a personalised, transparent, and efficient approach to recruitment.
About the Author
Jamie is the Founder and Director of Paragon Talent, with almost 15 years of experience in executive search for the flavour, fragrance, and ingredient sectors. He has a proven track record of building senior commercial teams across Europe, the US, and other global markets, with deep industry knowledge and a vast network of top talent.
FAQs
Q: How does Paragon Talent identify the best candidates?
A: We combine market mapping, targeted outreach, and rigorous screening to ensure only highly qualified professionals who fit your technical and cultural requirements are presented.
Q: Can you recruit for both senior and junior roles?
A: Yes. Our experience spans entry-level, mid-management, and executive positions across commercial, technical, and leadership functions.
Q: How quickly can you fill specialised roles?
A: While every search is unique, our industry network and proactive approach allow us to fill even niche positions in weeks rather than months.
Q: Do you only work in the UK?
A: No. We recruit across Europe, the US, and other global markets, connecting clients with top talent wherever they are based.
Q: How do you ensure a strong cultural fit?
A: We spend time understanding company culture, team dynamics, and leadership style to ensure candidates are technically qualified and a seamless fit with the organisation.