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.
