A composite package for a group of articles includes a substantially tray-shaped bottom portion having a bottom wall and a plurality of upstanding edge walls which include a front edge wall and a rear edge wall having respective upper edges and which confine the group of articles supported on the bottom wall between themselves. A cover portion is connected to the bottom portion in an assembled condition of the package to cover the bottom portion and the group of articles. The cover portion includes a front wall including a front panel having an opening and two lugs extending along the front panel in a closed position of the front panel. An elongated endless strap is received in the package and loosely surrounds the group of articles in the assembled condition of the package. The upper edges of the front and rear edge walls are provided with holding projections which hold the strap in position on the bottom portion. The holding projections of the front edge wall define with the lugs, respective slots for the passage of the strap therethrough and through the opening of the front panel between the interior and the exterior of the package in the assembled condition of the package and the closed position of the front panel for the strap to form a handle at the exterior of the package.