Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package (90, 390, 490), carriers (92, 94, 392, 492, 494) for forming the package and blanks (10, 110, 310, 410) for forming the carriers (92, 94, 392, 492, 494). The package (90, 390, 490) comprises a plurality of articles (B) arranged in a group and a top-engaging carrier (92, 392, 492) in engagement with tops of the articles (B) such that the tops of the articles (B) are connected and held together by the top-engaging carrier (92, 392, 492). The package (90, 390, 490) comprises a bundling carrier (94, 494) spaced apart from the top-engaging carrier (92, 392, 492) and being in engagement with portions of the articles (B) below the tops thereof such that the portions of the articles (B) are held together by the bundling carrier (94, 494).

Methods and apparatus for packaging and shipping wine. A shipping container includes: a vacuum molded base component having a plurality of cylindrical concave columns within which respective bottles are received; a substantially planar corrugated separator sheet having a plurality of receptors aligned with the axes of the columns and configured to slidably receive respective bottle necks associated with the bottles; a vacuum molded cap component for receiving the bottle necks therewithin; and an outer corrugated box within which the bottles, base component, separator, cap component components are securely disposed.

Methods and apparatus for vacuum forming a beverage carrier yoke are described. The yoke comprises a number (e.g., four or six) collars interconnected by a web, and each collar exhibits dimensionsincluding a nominal diameter and a substantially uniform thicknessselected to improve strength and increase comfort. The yoke is produced using a slurry comprising a moisture barrier and a fiber base.

Methods and apparatus for vacuum forming a beverage carrier yoke are described. The yoke comprises a number (e.g., four or six) collars interconnected by a web, and each collar exhibits dimensionsincluding a nominal diameter and a substantially uniform thicknessselected to improve strength and increase comfort. The yoke is produced using a slurry comprising a moisture barrier and a fiber base.

Methods and apparatus for packaging and shipping wine. A shipping container includes: a vacuum molded base component having a plurality of cylindrical concave columns within which respective bottles are received; a substantially planar corrugated separator sheet having a plurality of receptors aligned with the axes of the columns and configured to slidably receive respective bottle necks associated with the bottles; a vacuum molded cap component for receiving the bottle necks therewithin; and an outer corrugated box within which the bottles, base component, separator, cap component components are securely disposed.