Sales at the nation's grocery stores advanced only 2.9% from a year earlier during November, the smallest gain since January 2006. Eating and drinking places posted only a 2.2% gain during the month, the smallest gain since September 2001, according to Food Institute analysis of just-released government data. Overall retail sales during the month were down 9.0% from a year earlier, driven by lower auto and gasoline sales. Full Story

Wholesale food prices were relatively stable last month, with the index for all finished consumer goods advancing just one-tenth of a percent on the heels of a 0.7% decline in October. Advances in fresh produce, eggs and beef were offset by declines in pork, chicken and rice, according to exclusive Food Institute analysis of just-released data. Full Story (FI Membership Required)

Kosher was again the most frequently cited claim on food and drink products launched in 2008, but growing interest may have more to do with food safety than religion, according to Mintel. Kosher was first place with 5,389 new launches in 2008 on a top ten list of claims for new food and beverage products, followed by "all natural" and "no additives/preservatives," reported Food Navigator USA. Full Story

Some 80% of consumers plan to cook at home more in 2009 to help manage food budgets, according to Allrecipes' 2008 Annual Food Trend Forecast. Some 61% of respondents reported eating out at restaurants less often in 2008, a number expected to remain the same in 2009. About 59% of respondents expect to increase their use of coupons in 2009, a 55% increase over 2008. Full Story

Subway will begin testing Seattle's Best Coffee at 1,900 locations starting in January, reported Nation's Restaurant News. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

International News

The economic recession will "fundamentally change" the buying patterns of UK consumers, according to Asda president and CEO Andy Bond. Consumers are no longer willing to pay a premium for products, Mr. Bond claimed, noting that consumers will prioritize saving money by cutting spending. This behavior is not a short-term response to the recession, but will create a new type of consumer demanding more value for their money and greater price transparency, reported CNNMoney. Full Story

In a report scoring corporate climate change governance practices, Tesco scored in the top three for its three-pronged climate change strategy, with 78 points out of 100, according to study commissioned by Ceres and the Investor Network on Climate Risk and authored by the RiskMetrics Group. Full Story

Health News

Low-carbohydrate diets may impair cognitive performance, according a study from Tufts University comparing a high-protein diet with a reduced-calorie plan. Research showed that dieters performed worse on cognitive tests when carbohydrates were restricted than if they reduced calories, reported ScienceDaily. Full Story, Study Abstract

Washington News

Restaurant chain R.J. Gator's filed for bankruptcy protection and will close all 13 Florida locations, reported the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

Colorado's State Board of Education voted unanimously to ban sodas and high calorie drinks from schools. Beginning July 1, 2009 beverages sold to students on school grounds must meet minimum nutritional standards set forth by the board, although school districts may be more restrictive if they so choose, reported TheDenverChannel.com. Full Story

Market News

Diminished orange crop 2008/09 forecasts released by USDA may mean higher prices for Florida growers. However, increased prices for the produce likely will not make up for the increased costs from unprecedented disease pressures and high input prices, according to Michael W. Sparks, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Florida Citrus Mutual. In the past three years, expenses per acre doubled, according to the Bradenton Herald. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

Production of oats in the U.S. is at its lowest level since the Civil War. Oat millers in the U.S. get most of the grain from Canada because U.S. production is not enough to meet the need, according to Terri Long, spokeswoman for the North American Millers' Association. Canada exports about 114 million bushels of oats annually, nearly equal to the 119 million imported by the U.S. each year. But this year, oat growers in Canada outproduced their American counterparts by a 3-1 ratio, reported The Associated Press. Full Story