Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling and opening frangible containers containing substantially solid contents is described. The apparatus includes a cutter configured to sever an upper portion of a container from a lower portion the container. The apparatus further includes a holder for holding the lower portion of the container, and a gripping device for gripping the upper portion of the container as the container is severed by the cutter. The gripping device lifts the upper portion from the lower portion of the bottle such that any portion of the solid contents within the upper portion is discharged to the lower portion of container. The apparatus also can include a positioner for presenting the bottle to the cutter for cutting.