Investigations have been made on the moisture content reduction of coconut and cocoa using a scaled-down dryer of the type found on coconut estates in Trinidad. The energy used in continuous vent mode, intermittent vent mode and partial recycle mode were compared. An energy saving of 29 to 31% was realized by recirculating the hot air and varying the degree of venting. This saving could also be effected on the estates with suitable modification of the dryers used there.