Excerpts from the report Preface: This report is one of a number evaluating new packages and shipping containers and new methods of packing fruits and vegetables in them. The study on which the report is based is part of a broad program of research aimed at improving marketing efficiency and expanding markets for farm products. Retailers say they want to buy prepackaged California table grapes. Growers have hesitated to prepackage because of many unanswered questions, especially those concerning costs and the ability of consumer packages to protect highly perishable grapes in shipment to distant markets. This study was undertaken to find answers to these questions.