Arjan Verhagen Joined FreshRecruitment
After 25 years in the fruit and vegetable trade, Verhagen moved to a role in executive recruitment.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Job Search
Arjan Verhagen joined the recruitment agency FreshRecruitment in the spring of 2026. He brings over two decades of industry experience to the firm, where he operates as an independent recruiter.
Why it matters
The transition allows Verhagen to leverage his established sector-specific network to assist companies in managing hiring processes. He moved into this role to pursue a new professional challenge.
FreshRecruitment currently consists of six independent recruiters who operate with back-office support. Verhagen brings 25 years of experience in the fruit and vegetable trade to this collaborative agency model.
The players
Arjan Verhagen
He is an experienced professional who spent 25 years in the fruit and vegetable trade before transitioning to the recruitment sector.
FreshRecruitment
This is a recruitment agency that employs six independent recruiters and provides administrative back-office support.
Jan Willem Tolhoek
He is the professional partner working with Arjan Verhagen to develop the firm into a strong market brand.
The details
Verhagen utilizes his extensive background in the fruit and vegetable industry to match candidates with specialized employers across Europe, Uruguay, and Argentina. He operates as an independent contractor within the agency rather than as a salaried employee, focusing on leveraging his established professional network.
Timeline
Arjan Verhagen started his professional career at Hoogsteder in 2001.
Verhagen held a position at Nature's Pride from 2006 to 2012.
Verhagen joined the agency FreshRecruitment in the spring of 2026.
Market Landscape
The firm operates within a broader industry trend where specialized, independent consultants provide targeted recruitment services. This model challenges traditional search firms by leveraging deep, sector-specific networks to fill high-level roles.
Companies in the fruit and vegetable sector can expect more direct access to established talent networks through Verhagen's new role. Hiring managers looking for candidates with niche experience in regions like Argentina and Uruguay may find specialized support through this agency.
The takeaway
The move highlights how veteran industry professionals are increasingly applying their decades of experience to specialized recruitment niches. These experts provide value by turning their extensive professional networks into a primary service for employers.
Further reading
For more information on current hiring trends, visit our Job Search section.
More information
To learn more about the agency, visit the FreshRecruitment corporate website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Freshplaza.
