Linear or Non-Linear Analysis Software or Algorithm Name?

When I was in university a number of years ago, I was introduced to a program that maximized revenues from three non related variables.
The problem consisted of maximizing the sales for 1000 pounds of tomatoes of three different grades.
By arranging the tomatoes in various combinations of grade, they could be used in various products ex. Ketchup, which sold for different prices.
The challenge was to sort the tomatoes for maximum revenue. Can anyone tell me what this algorithm/program is called?
Some further examples of how it could be used were minimizing the mileage for a fleet of trucks to achieve all of the company’s deliveries and minimize the miles flown for Heliski companies to drop off all their customers at various destinations.
. I seem to remember it being called either Linear or Nonlinear Analysis. The fact that the variables are unrelated may suggest the latter.

The reason I am asking is that I have met a startup company who is introducing a new product that I believe is based on this algorithm or program.
I am trying to determine how much of what they are doing is proprietary vs. readily available.
I thank you in advance for your help.