This book has been written for existing and future entrepreneurs who wish to produce dry foods commercially at small and medium scale. Great effort has been made to use simple language but at the same time to examine all relevant technical aspects.It starts with examining the basic principles of drying, together with the basic food technology involved.This is followed by aspects related to markets including advice on carrying out a market survey, and marketing or selling the product both locally, nationally and internationally. On the assumption that a market exists, the publication then examines operational aspects related to the drying of common food groups and advice on establishing production, planning quality assurance and costing the product. The section ends with advice on preparing a business plan.The final chapter considers the design of a dryer for a given application. This chapter, which involves highly technical calculations, has been simplified so that those who can add, subtract, multiply and divide and calculate percentages will be able to design a dryer for any application. It is mainly aimed at engineers who need to be able to know how to design a dryer.Case studies are included together with an example of a business plan.

Training in food processing can open up opportunities for individuals who lack business experience, by providing training in costing and marketing a new product. This book offers a blueprint for such comprehensive training.It first explains the importance of needs assessment, course preparation, monitoring and follow up, and the value of practical work and opportunities for trainees to discuss their ideas and discoveries. There are then ten case studies describing successful courses in three continents, and showing how the theory is put into practice and adapted to particular circumstances.With examples of forms and lesson plans, photographs of appropriate training environments, and details of institutions that support food-processing training, there is a wealth of information for trainers and organizers of courses throughout the world.