Process And Apparatus For Forming A Minimal Headspace Pouch

1 - 34 . (canceled)

36 . A pouch formed according to a process, comprising the steps of:

(A) providing a continuous tube of flexible and sealable film;

(B) supplying the continuous tube with a predetermined amount of flowable material;

(C) pinching the continuous tube above a sealing region so as to form a pinched portion of the continuous tube;

(D) evacuating the headspace between the pinched portion and the predetermined amount of flowable material; and

(E) sealing the continuous tube at the sealing region to form a top seal of a previously formed pouch containing flowable material and a bottom seal of a next-to-be filled pouch.

37 . The pouch as recited in claim 36 containing wine.

38 . The pouch as recited in claim 36 , wherein the pouch comprises an oxygen absorbent material.

39 . The pouch as recited in claim 36 , wherein the pouch has a volume of between about 1 L and about 12 L.

40 . The pouch as recited in claim 39 , wherein the pouch has a volume of between about 3 L and about 5 L.

41 . The pouch as recited in claim 39 , wherein the headspace has a volume equal to or less than about 4 percent by volume of the pouch.

42 . The pouch as recited in claim 35 , wherein the pouch comprises a fitment.

43 . A package comprising the pouch of claim 36 inside a secondary container.

44 . The package as recited in claim 43 , wherein the secondary container is a cardboard box.

45 - 58 . (canceled)