An apparatus and process for manufacturing a filled flexible pouch is provided. The apparatus includes a cylindrical cup member having an open upper end, a closed lower end and a side wall extending therebetween the upper end and lower end. An inside portion of the side wall includes a pair of opposed guide channels for receiving the flexible pouch, and the side wall includes a slot positioned adjacent guide member. The side wall includes a notched opening positioned above each of the guide channels. The apparatus also includes a pouch opening lever arm pivotally attached to the side wall of the cup member, having a lower portion below the pivotal attachment with a wheel at an outer end and an upper portion above the pivotal attachment with an outwardly extending push member at an outer end. The manufacturing process includes the steps of placing the flexible pouch into the guide channels of the cylindrical cup member, while the lever arm is pivoted outwardly. The process also includes the steps of opening the pouch by engaging the wheels of the lever arm by a lifting surface disposed below a transport means to pivotally move the pushing member through the notched opening to push apart the front and back panels, and filling the pouch with the product using a fill nozzle positioned above the opened pouch.