Abstract: A method of de-watering an article (3) subjected to processing, such as pasteurising, in which water collects in a depression in a surface (2) of the article, comprises passing the article beneath a suction device (4) so that the said surface of the article passes underneath the suction device in proximity to an inlet (6) of the suction device, directing at last one jet of compressed air through a nozzle (10) at the depressed surface of the article as the said surface passes by the inlet of the suction device to displace the water from the said surface of the article into the air adjacent to the inlet of the suction device, and operating the suction device to draw the water-containing air into the inlet of the suction device. An apparatus for carrying out the de-watering method employs a Coanda effect air moving device as the suction device (4) and one or more air jet nozzles located at the inlet opening of the air moving device.