Abstract: A comprehensive system is disclosed for the pattern forming and loading of packaged bakery products into pallet trays or baskets (herein collectively referred to as baskets) for delivery to stores. An arrangement of basket and product conveyors delivers product packages to a pick-up station and baskets to loading positions. A programmable robotic loader is fitted with a special gripper adapted for the pick-up of groups of the packaged goods by applying suction to the product packages and physically laterally confining the suspended bags. The programmed loader picks up product groups and places them in a programmed, optimal pattern in the shipping basket. The special gripper mechanism enables the robotic loader to execute rapid translational and rotational motions in transferring product to the shipping baskets in a desired orientation.