Barberry, Inc., manufactures a product called Fruta. The company uses a standard cost system and has established the following standards for one unit of Fruta:

During June, the company recorded this activity related to production of Fruta:

a. The company produced 3,000 units during June.

b. A total of 8,000 pounds of material were purchased at a cost of $46,000.

c. There was no beginning inventory of materials; however, at the end of the month, 2,000 pounds of material remained in ending inventory.

d. The company employs 10 persons to work on the production of Fruta. During June, they worked an average of 160 hours at an average rate of $12.50 per hour.

e. Variable manufacturing overhead is assigned to Fruta on the basis of direct labor-hours. Variable manufacturing overhead costs during June totaled $3,600. The companys management is anxious to determine the efficiency of Fruta production activities.

Required:

1. For direct materials:

a. Compute the price and quantity variances.

b. The materials were purchased from a new supplier who is anxious to enter into a longterm purchase contract. Would you recommend that the company sign the contract? Explain.

2. For labor employed in the production of Fruta:

a. Compute the rate and efficiency variances.

b. In the past, the 10 persons employed in the production of Fruta consisted of 4 senior workers and 6 assistants. During June, the company experimented with 5 senior workers and 5 assistants. Would you recommend that the new labor mix be continued? Explain.