The invention relates to a novel powder, it's method of manufacture and the use thereof in powder material processing, particularly in the manufacture of components formed from compacted powder e.g. discs, monoliths, layers or tablets. The powders comprise coated host particles wherein over 70% of the mass of the powder comprises coated particles smaller than 100 microns. The powders have particular application in the pharmaceutical industry and the technology described can be used to control the properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients. The powders (10) may comprise drug particles (12), carrier particles (14) and additives (16).