Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of an infusible beverage ingredient, the process comprising the steps of: (a) providing unsweetened fruit pieces; (b) treating the fruit pieces so as to reduce their total sugar content by at least 35%; and then subsequently (c) drying the fruit pieces to a moisture content of less than 30%, preferably to a moisture content of 0.1 to 10%, wherein step (b) of the process comprises a first centrifugation of the fruit pieces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of an infusible beverage ingredient comprising dried fruit pieces, the process comprising the steps of: (a) providing fruit pieces and coating particles; (b) mixing the fruit pieces and the coating particles to provide coated fruit pieces; and then (c) drying the coated fruit pieces to a moisture content of less than 30 wt %, preferably to a moisture content of 0.1 to 10 wt % wherein the coating particles comprise particles of fruit peel which are less than 1.5 mm in diameter.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of an infusible beverage product comprising hygroscopic fruit pieces the process comprising the steps of: a) providing plant material particles less than 1.5 mm in diameter and fruit pieces; b) admixing the plant material particles and fruit pieces; and then c) combining the plant material particles and fruit pieces with additional infusible beverage product ingredients is provided. An infusible beverage product comprising hygroscopic fruit pieces and plant material particles characterised in that the fruit pieces are less than 8 mm in diameter and the plant material particles are less than 1.5 mm in diameter is also provided.