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More evidence is emerging that this recession has changed everything. First, a new and rather large survey by IBM shows that Americans at all income levels, despite the tough economic situation, are not sacrificing quality to save money on their food purchases, but - big but - they are more conscientious about the brands they buy, the packaging they buy and the supermarkets they shop to find new ways to save money. Furthermore, they have confirmed that their new spending strategy "will stick beyond the recession", IBM said. In the survey of 4000 American consumers - from those earning less than $20,000 per year to those earning more than $100,000 per year - 72 per cent said they are more focused on quality than price in their grocery shopping trips, and 90-92pc said health/nutrition and value will be of equal or greater importance when the recession ends, IBM said. Consumers are becoming more flexible about brand and grocery store loyalty but are reluctant to...

Global wheat supplies for 2009/10 are projected 5.0 million tons higher with higher beginning stocks and increased prospects for global production. World wheat production is raised 2.8 million tons for 2009/10 with major increases for India, United States, EU-27, China, and Ukraine partly offset by reductions for Russia, Argentina, Canada, and Kazakhstan. India production is raised 3.0 million tons to a record 80.6 million based on the latest revision to the official government estimate. EU-27 production is raised 1.6 million tons mostly on higher reported yields for Germany, but also on better-than-expected yields for France and rising prospects for harvested area and yields for Poland. Partly offsetting are cuts for Spain, Romania, Bulgaria, and Austria where persistent dryness reduced yields. China production is raised 1.0 million tons reflecting the first official indications for the harvested summer crops. Ukraine production is raised 1.0 million tons on higher winter wheat area and harvest reports. Please read more on http://www.wellgrain.co.uk/images/features/USDA_120-08-2009.pdf...