A gripping device and process comprising:first and second matable jaw members;a cylinder adapted to reciprocate vertically;connecting the first jaw member to the cylinder such that, in operation, the cylinder and connection urge the first jaw member to open and close the jaws; maintaining the second jaw member in a fixed position relative to the cylinder;a fixed table positioned beneath the jaw members, provided with at least one transverse groove;transporting a product downstream on the fixed table to locate it with its upstream or downstream edge overlying the transverse groove;advancing the cylinder downwardly with the jaws in the open position to enable the lower end of the second jaw member to contact the product at its upstream or downstream end above the groove causing the product to tilt in the groove;activating the cylinder to close the jaws to grip the tilted product at its upper end;retracting the cylinder upwardly with the closed jaws gripping the product; anddeactivating the cylinder to open the jaws to release the product.