One of the fresh produce industry’s most recognisable faces is attempting to put his enviable and extensive contacts book to use for the benefit of charities in the UK, Cyprus and his native China.
Ronny Liu, the owner of New Spitalfields Market-based businesses Cook’s Delights and Sunnyfield Veg, is looking to host a fundraising extravaganza in the heart of London involving dignitaries from all three nations.
The mooted event would comprise an auction of renowned artwork by British, Cypriot and Chinese artists, with the aim being to raise a six or seven-figure sum for the benefit of those in need in the three nations.
Liu, who specialises in importing Asian produce to the UK, tells FPJ: “Our world, our land, our people, our community - philanthropy has no boundaries. Our proposal is to bring together government and business leaders to increase the bond between the three nations to further encourage trade and networking opportunities while, at the same time, raising money for three different charities from each country evenly.
“We envisage an evening of socialising and entertainment in the heart of London, with a preceding trade exhibition and fine art auction, and it would be fantastic if this can become a reality and happen. It would be a milestone for our industry.”
Liu is keen to stress that this project is still in its infancy, and that whatever form it takes, it needs to be a project for the benefit of all three nations.
With that in mind, he says he is seeking the privilege of sitting down with the following people to make it a reality: his friend Evangelos Evangelides, the mayor of Cypriot city Aradippou, and Stav Georgiou, another Cypriot friend of his, who alongside Evangelides, draws the Mediterranean island into the tri-nation equation; Liu Xiaoming, the Chinese ambassador to the UK, and Liang Fang, MD of Coscon UK, the container division of the Cosco shipping line; plus representatives of the Lord Mayor of the City of London.
Liu hopes that the event can be staged at a top city centre hotel before the summer of 2015, with the aim being to cater for around 500 VIPs and guests.
This is not the first time Liu has played his part in a fundraising project. In 2011, heteamed up with third-generation Herefordshire apple grower James Manning to supply Jonagold apples and their juice as part of a deal that saw 50p from every box sold donated to charity.
He has also raised money forGreat Ormond Street Hospital and the Islington Chinese Association, among others.
Liu adds: “As an immigrant living and working in the UK, I am proud to see different countries and their people emerging on the other side stronger, especially in these very strained financial times. And I am very happy at the way in which the UK embraces the different cultures here.”
