Abstract: An absorbent pad for use with meat and poultry products in retail sale packages has a laminated tissue absorbent mat sandwiched and sealed between upper and lower plastic sheets. The pad is perforated by penetration of perforating pins entirely through the pad to develop a series of holes for the passage of liquid from the meat package into the absorbent mat inside the pad. A myriad of outwardly projecting tufts of tissue material are developed along the underside of the pad by the perforating pins. These tufts develop a wicking effect which enhances the capillary action of the tissue layers inside the pad. Methods of fabrication of the individual pads and continuous linear absorbent sheet material are also disclosed.