Abstract: A process is used to increase the rate and quality of dispersion of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) in water. The HPMC is dry blended in a fluidized bed by intermittently spraying the HPMC particles with a liquid spray while the particles are in the fluidized state causing the surfaces of the particles to become tacky and the particles to stick to each other. The particles are permitted to dry between spraying intervals and the spraying and drying is continued until agglomerated particles are formed having a moisture content of less than 25% by weight of the agglomerated particle.