Carluccio's has been named as one of the world's finest specialist retailers, second only to New York's legendary Dean & DeLuca. In a survey carried out by The Grocer, Whole Foods Market, the US chain, was named as finest food retailer on the planet. The store, which includes a food service area, is due to open a site in London on Kensington High Street. John Mackay, the company's founder, chief executive and chairman, said: “We believe that this spacious urban location allows us to duplicate the tremendous success we have experienced in metropolitan cities in the US, most notably New York City, by providing Londoners with a fresh and innovative choice in shopping for the most delicious and high quality foods.” The company plans to expand the brand throughout the UK and Europe.