Trader Joe’s, the food retailer that is all the rage with the “in the know” crowd, has been dethroned as the America’s favorite grocery.

According to Market Force Information, that honor in 2016 goes to New York-based Wegmans, a family-owned chain in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

In a survey of 10,000 consumers, Wegmans — which does not have stores in metro Atlanta — impressed with its focus on employee training to ensure customers have the best experience, ability to find desired items and store cleanliness.

Trader Joe’s which had held the No. 1 spot for four years, fell to third place, the survey said. Publix, one of Atlanta’s largest chains, came in at No. 2 and had some of the same attributes as Wegmans.

112011 Sandy Springs: On Sunday, November 20th, Trader Joe's-Sandy Springs was allowed to sell liquor for the first time. Many customers drove from other parts of Atlanta to buy wine and beer. John Thacker, from Valdosta, with 3-month-old daughter, Avery, enjoyed shopping for wine and champagne. ANA LAURA ARAYA/Special
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Trader Joe’s is no longer the top of the heap in food retailers, according to one survey.

Bringing up the rear is Walmart, which came in dead last among the group.

Market Force said it asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their most recent grocery shopping experience and the likelihood they would refer that grocer to others. The results were averaged to rank each brand on a Composite Loyalty Index, the organization said.

Some of the findings: Aldi is the price leader, followed by WinCo and Costco. Trader Joe’s ranked first for cashier courtesy. ShopRite, Meijer and Kroger offer the best sales and promotions.

Here is the list.

  1. Wegmans
  2. Public Super Markets
  3. Trader Joe's Markets
  4. Hy-Vee Food Stores
  5. Aldi
  6. Costco
  7. H-E-B
  8. Kroger
  9. WiCo Foods
  10. ShopRite
  11. Meijer
  12. Giant Food Stores
  13. Safeway
  14. Stop & Shop
  15. Walmart