Abstract: A tray for storing and transporting products that are desirably kept separate from any liquid that may be present. The tray is made up of a base with a number of sidewalls extending up from the edges of the base. Preferably the sidewalls have an outwardly directed lip to which a suitable cover can be attached. The base of the tray is divided into a plurality of islands that cover the majority of the base by a plurality of intersecting channels. The width of the channels is sufficiently narrow to allow the product to span the channels and be supported by the islands. In some cases, a liquid permeable sheet may have to be placed over the channels to support products that cannot span even narrow channels. The collective volume of the channels is large enough to accept and contain all of the liquid that is likely to be present in the tray during use. In this way the liquid is kept separate and apart from the product contained in the tray.

Abstract: A tray for packaging sliced tomatoes is disclosed that maintains the tomatoes is fresh condition by controlling the atmosphere surrounding the tomatoes and reducing contact between tomatoes and their serum exudate. This is achieved by a tray configuration that holds the tomato above the exudate which is collected in a reservoir at the base of the tray. Means are provided to facilitate loading tomatoes into the tray and for removing the tomatoes from the tray.