A free-flowing, white powder obtained by spray drying of an aqueous vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer dispersion. It offers all the advantages of a free-flowing powder additive, such as ease of transportation, storage and handling. This can be used in a variety of applications in the construction industry to improve key properties of cement- and gypsum-based formulations. It is highly recommended for building products exposed to conditions of thermal or mechanical stress. It has especially been developed for cement-based tile adhesives meeting the EN12004 standard.