Video analysis of the packing operation (Fig. 1) indicated that packer practice largely determines the extent and severity of mixing. Within this, workload is the key issue. Packers attempting to manage more than one lane will produce erratic results. The main causes of mixing are summarised in Table 2. There are some design characteristics that also impact. Lane length has some influence, mostly through providing opportunities for a wide range of packing practice. The packing lane is commonly used as a buffer for fruit and workload. There is also some fruit mixing on the drop from the grader onto the packing lane but this mixing is generally minor, provided fruit flow is not excessive, or fruit do not get delayed on the out-feed belt.