Abstract: The disclosed apparatus comprises a first rotary drum exposed to the atmosphere and means for continuously and conjointly feeding cocoa beans and an alkaline solution into the first drum. Means are provided for heating the contents of the first drum so that (1) the alkaline solution reacts very slowly on the beans and (2) the beans reach the outlet of the first drum in a partially dried condition. The apparatus also includes means for continuously feeding the beans leaving the first drum into a second rotary drum also exposed to the atmosphere and means for providing a stream of hot air in the direction of movement of the beans so as (1) to destroy the microbial fauna and (2) to dry the beans. Means are also provided for recovering the dry beans at the outlet of the second drum.