Equilibrium distribution coefficient data were obtained for osmotic dehydration of apple cubes in sugar syrup of different concentrations and temperatures. The initial concentration of sucrose was varied from 30% to 70%, and temperature was varied from 22degreesC to 90degreesC. The distribution coefficients for solids ranged from 0.466 to 1.46, and for water it ranged from 0.621 to 1.80. The distribution coefficient for solids increased with the increase in temperature while it decreased with the increase in syrup concentration. However, the distribution coefficient for water decreased with increasing temperature and it increased with the increase in syrup concentration. A multiple regression analysis of experimental data was carried out to correlate distribution coefficients with dimensionless temperature and syrup concentration. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.