From an upscale division of a leading Southwestern supermarket chain to an independent New Jersey operator who added specialty food to a perfume and cosmetic business, from a North Carolina grocer who moved uptown to a mail-order marketer that built cheese caves in the shadow of New York City's Jacob Javits Center, these outstanding retailers are serving an ever-increasing niche of consumers who have made quality food a part of their lifestyle.

While innovative products fuel the growth of the industry, it is the retailers who champion these products and bring them to consumers who are the unsung heroes. Talking with customers each and every day, these men and women make specialty foods approachable and fun.

Tens of thousands of stores across the U.S. sell specialty foods. Among this diverse and enthusiastic playing field, the following seven retailers are recognized as leaders. Despite diverse formats and different clientele, they all offer a wealth of top-notch products, plus the highest level of customer service.

To identify “Outstanding Retailer” candidates, the NASFT asked its supplier members to name retailers who they admired. Approximately 325 markets were nominated. The 15 with the most nominations were asked to submit entries, which included photographs, store facts, articles, menus, newsletters, press kits, training manuals and letters from customers. This information was evaluated by a panel of former Outstanding Retailer winners, manufacturers, distributors and journalists, who confronted the challenge of choosing the Outstanding Retailers of 2004.