Abstract: An apparatus and method are providing for shredding and loading pre-portioned quantities of products, typically food products such as cheeses. The food product or the like is shredded at an on-line location which is a component of a filling and sealing line by which a plurality of pockets of packaging components are filled and then sealed under vacuum or gas-flushed conditions. The resulting pre-portioned shredded or grated product is moved into one of the pockets of the packaging component prior to the sealing operation. This movement is coordinated and in timed sequence with a conveyor assembly which properly positions the pocket under the fixture through which the grated product flows. Tamping equipment can be provided by which the grated product is leveled off while it is within the pocket and prior to sealing. Multiple pocket filling is also addressed.