Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging articles such as flatbreads and stacks of flatbreads utilizes flat loading plates which move axially and rotate about a longitudinal axis. The loading plates have an initial position underneath an input conveyor, and follow movement of an article along the conveyor toward its forward end. As the article moves over the end of the conveyor, it is transferred to the loading plate which then moves the article forwardly to a packaging station, where the loading plate with the article supported thereon is inserted into the open mouth of a container. With the packaged article supported on its upper surface, the loading plate is rotated by about 180 degrees to displace the article and package from the packaging station and to deposit the packaged article onto an exit conveyor. Once the packaged article contacts the exit conveyor, the loading plate is withdrawn from the package and returned to its initial position under the input conveyor.