Abstract: A container holder capable of holding various containers, such as bottles and cans, comprises a deformable container-holding member made from a plastic material, a holding frame, and an adapter plate. The central portion of the holding member is divided into several tongues, and a central hole surrouded by these tongues is formed. The holding member is sandwiched between the adapter plate and the holding frame. Depending on the kind of the container held by this holder, the adapter plate is replaced with another adapter plate. Also disclosed is a container carrier in which container holders as described above are detachably mounted. An apparatus for handling containers using this container holder comprises mechanisms for performing these handling operations and conveying the container carrier between stations for the handling operations while the containers are received in the container holder.