AGRICULTURE

Dole Foods Posts Lower Profit: The Westlake Village-based company reported that second-quarter earnings slipped 25%, reflecting its international price war with Chiquita bananas and lower lettuce prices. The lower prices apparently were appealing to consumers. Dole said banana sales volumes were high. For the quarter ended June 13, Dole earned $40 million, or 67 cents per share, compared to $53 million, or 90 cents per share, during the same period of 1991. Revenue fell 2%, from $919 million to $902 million. Dole conducts business in food production and distribution, real estate development and resorts.