Leading London wholesaler Ronny Liu is looking to spend £2.5 million on a new facility that could create as many as 70 jobs.
Liu, who runs Sunnyfield Veg and foodservice venture Cook’s Delights from New Spitalfields Market, is looking to open 60,000 sq ft storage premises in Enfield.
The deal is intended to leverage growth of his long-standing business operations, alongside the launch of a new business, Token4U, an online grocery delivery service which offers Chinese products including fruit and vegetables alongside globally popular food products, as well as providing vouchers for Chinese restaurants.
Liu insisted, however, that his businesses won’t be exiting their New Spitalfields Market homes.
He told FPJ: “We need a modern facility to help take the businesses forward. We have signed for the lease already, and hope to open there in February 2016.
Liu was also busy showing a delegation from the Chinese Export Association around New Spitalfields Market at the end of March.
The visit comes in the wake of burgeoning business ties between the UK and China, with leading dignitaries having recently visited or lining up visits between the countries.
The group, who came from various regions of China, were on a mission to identify food and drink investment opportunities in the UK.
Liu said he has been looking at setting up such deals for a number of years, but noted the obstacles that stop many countries doing business with China.
However, he said the delegates had been impressed by what they had seen in London, and thinks the foundation for future partnerships may have been laid.
