Top 10 Zeaxanthin Suppliers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Traders in Iran

Founded in 2005, Tehran Botanical Extracts Co. (TBEC) is a pioneer in Iran's botanical extracts scene, and it's easy to see why. What started as a small family-run business has grown into a vertically integrated powerhouse, controlling every step from farming to extraction. Located just outside Tehran, TBEC owns 500 acres of organic farms where marigold (a primary source of zeaxanthin and lutein) is cultivated using sustainable practices—no synthetic pesticides, minimal water usage, and crop rotation to maintain soil health.

Their zeaxanthin offerings range from 5% to 20% purity, with a focus on consistency. "We test every batch three times—once at the farm, once after extraction, and once before packaging," explains a company representative. This dedication to quality has earned them ISO 9001 and GMP certifications, making them a trusted partner for local supplement brands and international buyers alike. What really sets TBEC apart is their ability to handle custom orders: need a specific lutein-to-zeaxanthin ratio for an eye health supplement? They'll tailor it. Bulk orders? They offer competitive pricing for quantities over 500kg, with delivery times as short as two weeks for local clients.

While 60% of their business is domestic, TBEC exports to the UAE, Turkey, and Pakistan, with plans to enter the European market by 2026. Clients praise their transparency—"They send us farm reports and third-party lab results without us even asking," says a Dubai-based supplement manufacturer. For businesses prioritizing traceability and ethical sourcing, TBEC is a top contender.

Persian Carotenoids Ltd. (PCL) may be younger than some competitors (founded in 2010), but it's quickly become a global player. Based in Karaj, a city known for its agricultural research centers, PCL specializes in high-purity zeaxanthin—up to 30%—and prides itself on organic offerings. "We saw a gap in the market for certified organic zeaxanthin that didn't compromise on potency," says the company's CEO. Today, their EU Organic and Halal certifications make them a favorite among health-conscious brands in Europe and the Middle East.

PCL sources marigold petals from small-scale farmers in Khorasan province, providing training and fair prices to ensure a steady, high-quality supply. Their extraction process uses supercritical CO2, a method that avoids harsh solvents and preserves the integrity of the carotenoids. The result? A bright orange powder with minimal odor and excellent stability—key for products with long shelf lives, like multivitamins.

Export-focused, PCL ships 70% of its production overseas, with Germany, France, and Saudi Arabia as top markets. Their customer service is another highlight: "They assigned us a dedicated account manager who speaks fluent English and responds within hours," notes a French cosmetics brand that uses PCL's zeaxanthin in anti-aging serums. For businesses targeting premium, organic, or Halal markets, PCL checks all the boxes.

Nestled in the historic city of Isfahan, Isfahan Herbal Solutions (IHS) has been a go-to for bulk botanical extracts since 2008. While they offer a wide range of ingredients—from green tea extract to ginseng—their zeaxanthin products stand out for their versatility. Whether you need powder, liquid, or even oil-soluble formulations, IHS has you covered. "We work with food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics clients, so we've learned to adapt," says their head of R&D.

Their standard zeaxanthin powder (10-15% purity) is a hit with food and beverage manufacturers, often used to fortify juices, energy bars, and even pasta. For supplements, they offer higher-purity options (up to 20%), and their liquid extracts are popular in skincare serums, where zeaxanthin's antioxidant properties help combat environmental damage. IHS holds ISO 22000 (food safety) and Kosher certifications, making them a safe bet for clients with strict dietary requirements.

What clients love most is their flexibility. A Tehran-based juice company shares: "We needed a water-soluble zeaxanthin to add to our mango juice, and IHS reformulated their extract to mix perfectly—no cloudiness, no aftertaste." With minimum order quantities as low as 10kg (great for small businesses) and bulk discounts for orders over 1 ton, IHS balances accessibility with quality.

Tabriz Natural Extracts (TNE) is proof that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. Founded in 2012 in Iran's northwestern region, TNE has built its reputation on eco-friendly practices, earning ISO 14001 certification for its environmental management system. Their zero-waste production process is particularly impressive: leftover plant material from extraction is turned into animal feed, and water is recycled through a closed-loop system. "We believe doing good for the planet is good for business," says their sustainability director.

TNE's zeaxanthin products are standardized for potency, with 10% and 15% purity options that are popular in multivitamins and eye health supplements. They also offer lutein-zeaxanthin complexes in ratios like 5:1 or 10:1, mimicking the natural ratio found in the macula—ideal for formulations targeting eye health. Their GMP-certified facility ensures strict quality control, with each batch tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination.

While TNE exports to neighboring countries like Armenia and Azerbaijan, they're also a favorite among Iranian pharmaceutical companies for their reliability. "We've never had a delayed order in five years," says a local pharma rep. For businesses prioritizing sustainability and consistent quality, TNE is a standout choice.

When it comes to pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, Shiraz Bioactive Ingredients (SBI) leads the pack. Founded in 2015, this young company has quickly made a name for itself by focusing on high-purity, pharma-ready zeaxanthin. Located in Shiraz, a hub for medical research, SBI collaborates with Shiraz University to develop cutting-edge extraction techniques, resulting in zeaxanthin with purities up to 25%—among the highest in Iran.

Their facility is FDA-registered and GMP-certified, with cleanrooms that meet pharmaceutical standards. "We treat our zeaxanthin like a drug," explains their quality control manager. "Every step is documented, from raw material arrival to final packaging." This level of rigor has made them a supplier to Iranian pharmaceutical giants, who use their zeaxanthin in prescription eye drops and specialized supplements.

While SBI's prices are higher than some competitors, clients say the quality is worth it. "For our clinical trials, we needed ultra-pure zeaxanthin, and SBI delivered," notes a researcher at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. They also offer small-batch production (starting at 1kg) for research purposes, making them a go-to for startups and academic institutions. If you're in the pharmaceutical or high-end supplement space, SBI is worth the investment.

With over 20 years in the business, Mashhad Botanical Traders (MBT) is one of Iran's oldest botanical extract wholesalers. Founded in 2003, they've built a vast network of farmers and extractors across Iran, allowing them to offer a wide range of raw materials—including bulk zeaxanthin at competitive prices. "We don't produce everything ourselves, but we vet every supplier rigorously," says their purchasing director.

MBT's zeaxanthin offerings are primarily industrial-grade (5-10% purity), making them ideal for large-scale applications like animal feed (yes, even livestock benefit from zeaxanthin!) and food coloring. They also supply raw marigold petals for businesses that prefer to extract their own ingredients. Their minimum order quantity is 500kg, but for that, you'll get some of the lowest prices in the market—"We saved 15% by switching to MBT for our bulk orders," says a Turkish animal feed manufacturer.

While MBT doesn't offer the same level of customization as some manufacturers, they make up for it with reliability and speed. "We can deliver 1 ton of zeaxanthin powder within three days anywhere in Iran," says their logistics manager. For businesses needing large quantities at a budget-friendly price, MBT is a solid choice.

Qom Natural Extracts Industries (QNEI) is a rising star in Iran's zeaxanthin market, founded in 2018 with a focus on innovation. Their claim to fame? Water-soluble zeaxanthin, a game-changer for beverages, soups, and clear liquids where traditional oil-soluble extracts would clump or cloud. "We spent two years developing a microencapsulation technique that makes zeaxanthin dissolve in water," says their founder, a former food science researcher.

QNEI's organic zeaxanthin (certified by USDA Organic) is sourced from marigold farms in Qom province, where the dry climate reduces the need for pesticides. Their water-soluble powder is a hit with beverage brands—imagine a lemonade fortified with zeaxanthin, or a sports drink that supports eye health during long workouts. They also offer standard organic powder (10-15% purity) for supplements and cosmetics.

Though relatively new, QNEI has already secured clients in Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan. "Their water-soluble extract solved a huge problem for our electrolyte drink," says a Baghdad-based beverage company. With plans to expand into Europe and Southeast Asia, QNEI is one to watch for businesses seeking innovative zeaxanthin formulations.

Located in Rasht, the capital of Iran's Gilan province (known for its lush greenery), Rasht Herbal Exports (RHE) has been a key exporter of botanical extracts since 2007. Their specialty? Microencapsulated zeaxanthin and lutein complexes, which improve stability and absorption. "Microencapsulation protects the carotenoids from heat, light, and oxygen, so they stay potent longer," explains their technical director.

RHE's microencapsulated powders are popular in supplements, where absorption is key. "Our clients tell us their customers report better results with our extracts," says a sales representative. They also offer standard zeaxanthin powder (5-20% purity) and liquid extracts for cosmetics, with Halal and ISO 22000 certifications to boot.

Export is RHE's bread and butter, with clients in over 15 countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the UK. Their English-speaking sales team and clear documentation (COA, MSDS, Halal certificates) make international shipping a breeze. "Dealing with RHE is like working with a European supplier—professional and efficient," says a UK-based supplement brand. For businesses prioritizing absorption and global reach, RHE delivers.

Kerman BioTech (KBT) is where science meets extraction. Founded in 2013, this Kerman-based company partners with Kerman University to develop high-potency zeaxanthin extracts, with purities reaching 25-30%. "We use supercritical fluid extraction with CO2, which allows us to get higher concentrations without damaging the molecule," says their lead scientist.

Their research-grade zeaxanthin is used by pharmaceutical companies and universities for clinical trials and studies. They also offer nutraceutical-grade extracts for premium supplements, with batch-to-batch consistency that's second to none. "We test for over 50 parameters, including isomer purity—most suppliers don't even check that," notes a quality control specialist.

While KBT's prices are on the higher side, their expertise is unmatched. "They helped us design a zeaxanthin supplement with optimal bioavailability," says a Swiss pharmaceutical startup. They also offer custom analytical testing for clients who need extra assurance. For businesses in the research, pharmaceutical, or high-end supplement space, KBT is a partner you can trust.

Last but not least, Ahvaz Natural Ingredients (ANI) rounds out our list with a focus on speed and reliability. Founded in 2011 in Ahvaz, a city in southwestern Iran, ANI specializes in industrial-grade zeaxanthin and blended extracts, with a knack for fast turnaround times. "We keep 5 tons of zeaxanthin powder in stock at all times," says their operations manager. "If you need it tomorrow, we can ship it today."

Their zeaxanthin is primarily 5-10% purity, used in applications like food coloring, animal feed, and budget-friendly supplements. They also offer pre-blended extracts—for example, zeaxanthin + lutein + vitamin E—saving clients time and money on formulation. ANI holds ISO 9001 and GMP certifications, ensuring basic quality standards are met.

ANI's clients love their responsiveness. "We had an emergency order when our regular supplier fell through, and ANI delivered 200kg in 48 hours," says an Iranian food manufacturer. While they don't offer the same high-purity or organic options as others, they're a lifesaver for businesses needing quick, reliable bulk supplies. For urgent orders and industrial applications, ANI is the way to go.