Overhill Farms Inc. said Friday that its fiscal fourth quarter earnings fell as the slow economy prompted retailers and institutional customers to order less of the company’s frozen food products.

The Vernon maker of products for retail, food service and airline customers reported net income of $1.4 million (9 cents per share) for the quarter ended September 27, compared with $2.42 million (15 cents) a year earlier. Revenues fell 8.6 percent to $48.5 million.

For fiscal 2009, the company had net income of $8.3 million (52 cents), down 19 percent from a year earlier. Revenues fell 12 percent to less than $210 million.

“Overall, the company performed well in the most difficult economic environment our nation has faced in decades,” Chief Executive James Rudis said in a statement. “Many of the companies we supply have reduced their inventories and have delayed marketing initiatives. We do not expect this to continue.”

Shares closed down 71 cents, or nearly 13 percent, to $4.83 on the New York Alternet.