A device for the accumulation and release of products arranged within containers comprises a main accumulation unit with a reception opening and a first delivery opening, the containers being guided between the openings. The device is provided with a second accumulation unit operationally in communication with the main unit and having a second delivery opening. The device uses an actuator for selectively moving containers loaded with products from the main accumulation unit to the second unit, in order to selectively by-pass the first delivery opening and enable containers to be unloaded at the second delivery opening provided in the second accumulation unit.