Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas barrier and liquid absorbent container (1) for use in the modified atmosphere packaging of food products which tend to release liquids. The container of the invention comprises a base and upwardly extending side walls terminating in a continuous flange horizontally projecting from the side walls, and comprising an inner part of a liquid pervious material (20), and an outer part of a liquid and gas barrier material (10), said inner and outer parts being joined together at the side walls and being spaced apart from each other at the base to define an interspace (30). A circumferentially extending continuous portion (11) of the surface of the liquid and gas barrier material is exposed to provide an area for a gas barrier closing lid to be sealed. The invention further relates to a method of manufacture of said container, to its use in the packaging of food products under a modified atmosphere and to the gas-tight packages thus obtained.