Abstract: An apparatus for forming a reconstituted food product is provided including at least one transfer hopper having a reciprocating bottom for supporting pieces of the food product at a loading location, a control member for reciprocating the bottom so as to alter the height of the bottom in relation to a load in the hopper thereby keeping a drop height of successive pieces of food product into the hopper within predetermined limits. A drive mechanism is provided for moving the hopper from a food product loading location to a discharge location. A mould is disposed at the discharge location and aligned with the hopper. A displacement member for displacing material from the hopper into the mould is provided.