Abstract: The tray of the instant invention includes a frame, having a rigid core with a plastomer coating thereover. An air-permeable web is disposed over the frame in a taut condition such that the web smoothly meets the frame and that the top side of the frame and the web form a continuous, planar surface.The method of baking a bakery product according to the invention includes the steps of preparing the dough for the product and forming the dough into a desired shape for individual product pieces. The individually formed pieces are placed on a tray having an air-permeable mesh disposed on the upper, planar surface of the tray and the pieces are proofed on the trays for a predetermined time period. The trays are removed, with the pieces carried thereon from the proofing stand and transported on a support conveyor. The pieces are mechanically picked off of the trays with a pickup conveyor and then moved through a baking oven on the pickup conveyor.