Provided are compositions comprising a collection of coated particles, wherein the coated particles comprises an active ingredient dispersed in an resin matrix; and a coating comprising at least one hydrophobic compound. Also provided are methods for preparing compositions comprising: (a) blending an active ingredient (for example, 1-MCP complex powder) with resin at the temperature slightly over the melting point of the resin; (b) dispersing the blend into an oil medium containing hydrophobic particles by shearing and obtain an oil dispersion; and (c) consolidating the resin particles by cooling. Thus, the active ingredient (for example, 1 -MCP complex powder) is imbedded in the resin matrix spheres, and the hydrophobic particles, which also serve as Pickering emulsifier to stabilize the matrix spheres, form a coating layer around the matrix spheres to provide protection against water. Thus, the sphere is composed of the "Pickering" particle and resin matrix, in which the active ingredient is imbedded.