When it comes to supporting eye health, few nutrients have garnered as much attention as zeaxanthin. This naturally occurring carotenoid, often paired with lutein, is a key component in the macular pigment of the eye, helping to filter harmful blue light and protect against age-related vision issues. As demand for high-quality zeaxanthin continues to rise—whether for dietary supplements, functional foods, or even cosmetics—finding reliable suppliers becomes crucial. Italy, renowned for its strict quality standards and adherence to Europeanunionregulations, has emerged as a hub for premium zeaxanthin production and distribution. From family-run businesses with decades of herbal expertise to innovative manufacturers leveraging cutting-edge extraction technologies, the Italian market offers a diverse range of partners for businesses seeking top-tier zeaxanthin. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 zeaxanthin suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Italy, highlighting their unique strengths, product offerings, and commitment to excellence.
Before diving into the list, it's worth noting why Italy stands out in the zeaxanthin landscape. The country's robust agricultural sector, combined with a legacy of herbal medicine and supplement production, provides a solid foundation for sourcing and processing natural ingredients. Additionally, Italian suppliers often prioritize sustainability, ethical sourcing, and compliance with rigorous certifications like ISO, GMP, and organic standards—factors that resonate with today's health-conscious consumers and businesses alike. Whether you're a small supplement brand looking for bulk quantities or a multinational corporation in need of custom formulations, these Italian players have the expertise to meet diverse needs.
1. Mediterranean Botanicals S.r.l. (Sicily)
Founded in 1998 in the sun-drenched region of Sicily, Mediterranean Botanicals has built a reputation as a pioneer in natural carotenoid extraction. Specializing in plant-based ingredients, the company's zeaxanthin offerings are derived from marigold flowers—locally sourced from sustainable farms across southern Italy—known for their high carotenoid content. What sets Mediterranean Botanicals apart is its vertically integrated supply chain: from seed to extract, every step is monitored to ensure purity and potency.
The company produces both synthetic-free zeaxanthin powder and oil-based formulations, with concentrations ranging from 5% to 98%. Their product line also includes popular lutein and zeaxanthin blends, tailored for eye health supplements and functional foods. Certified by ISO 9001 and GMP, Mediterranean Botanicals prides itself on transparency; each batch comes with detailed COA (Certificate of Analysis) and traceability reports. With a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 1 kg for small businesses and bulk capabilities for large-scale clients, they cater to both local European markets and international buyers, including North America and Asia.
Sustainability is at the core of their mission: their extraction process uses eco-friendly solvents, and they've invested in solar-powered facilities to reduce carbon footprint. "We believe the best ingredients come from healthy plants and healthy practices," says CEO Maria Lombardi. For businesses prioritizing organic and sustainably sourced zeaxanthin, Mediterranean Botanicals is a top contender.
2. NutraVision Italia (Emilia-Romagna)
Based in Bologna, the heart of Italy's pharmaceutical industry, NutraVision Italia has been a leading name in nutraceutical ingredients since 2005. Focused exclusively on eye health supplements, their zeaxanthin products are designed to meet the highest pharmaceutical-grade standards. The company partners with select marigold farms in Puglia, where the long growing season and mineral-rich soil yield flowers with exceptional zeaxanthin and lutein profiles.
NutraVision's flagship offering is a microencapsulated zeaxanthin powder, which enhances stability and bioavailability—a key advantage for supplement manufacturers looking to ensure their products retain potency over time. They also offer custom blends, such as zeaxanthin with omega-3s or vitamin E, to address specific health needs. All products are certified Kosher, Halal, and comply with EU Novel Food regulations, making them suitable for global markets.
What makes NutraVision stand out is its emphasis on research and development. The company collaborates with the University of Bologna to study zeaxanthin's impact on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals. This commitment to science has earned them partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies and supplement brands worldwide. With a dedicated customer service team fluent in English, Spanish, and French, NutraVision makes international ordering seamless, even for first-time buyers.
3. GreenWave Extracts (Tuscany)
Tuscany's GreenWave Extracts, established in 2010, has quickly made a name for itself as a go-to wholesaler for organic zeaxanthin. Located in the rolling hills outside Florence, the company sources its raw materials from certified organic marigold farms in the region, ensuring no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers are used in cultivation. GreenWave's extraction process uses supercritical CO2 technology, a clean method that preserves the integrity of the zeaxanthin molecule without leaving harmful residues.
Their product range includes organic zeaxanthin powder (available in 10% and 20% concentrations), as well as liquid extracts for cosmetic applications, such as anti-aging serums and eye creams. For businesses focused on natural and organic certifications, GreenWave holds EU Organic, USDA Organic, and Ecocert labels, making their ingredients ideal for clean-label products. They also offer private labeling services, allowing small brands to launch their own zeaxanthin supplements with minimal upfront investment.
GreenWave's strength lies in its flexibility. While they cater to large wholesalers with MOQs of 50 kg, they also work with startups, offering sample sizes as small as 250 grams for product testing. Their customer-centric approach includes personalized formulation support—whether you need a water-soluble zeaxanthin for beverages or a lipid-based extract for capsules. As founder Luca Moretti puts it: "We don't just sell ingredients; we help build products that align with your brand's values."
4. BioNaturae Ingredients (Veneto)
BioNaturae Ingredients, based in Veneto's industrial hub of Padua, is a powerhouse in bulk zeaxanthin trading. With over 30 years of experience in the global nutraceutical market, the company has built an extensive network of manufacturers across Italy and beyond, allowing them to offer competitive pricing and consistent supply. While they don't produce zeaxanthin in-house, their rigorous vetting process ensures all partners meet strict quality criteria, including GMP certification and third-party testing for heavy metals and contaminants.
BioNaturae specializes in wholesale distribution of both synthetic and natural zeaxanthin, though their natural variants—sourced from Italian and Spanish marigold extractors—are their bestsellers. They offer bulk quantities (from 100 kg to full container loads) of powder, beadlets, and oil suspensions, making them a favorite among large-scale supplement and food manufacturers. Their product catalog also includes popular lutein and zeaxanthin combinations, pre-formulated for eye health supplements, which saves clients time and development costs.
What sets BioNaturae apart is its logistical expertise. With warehouses in Milan and Rotterdam, they can deliver to most European countries within 48 hours and ship globally within a week. Their sales team, available 24/7, provides real-time inventory updates and flexible payment terms, a boon for businesses managing tight production schedules. For companies prioritizing reliability and cost-efficiency, BioNaturae is a trusted partner in the zeaxanthin supply chain.
5. Alpine Herbal Extracts (Piedmont)
Nestled in the Italian Alps, Alpine Herbal Extracts brings a unique perspective to zeaxanthin production: cold-climate extraction. Founded in 2005, the company leverages the region's pristine water sources and low-temperature processing to create highly stable zeaxanthin extracts. While most zeaxanthin is derived from marigolds, Alpine Herbal has pioneered a proprietary method using organic kale and spinach—locally grown in mountain greenhouses—to produce a plant-based zeaxanthin rich in additional phytonutrients like chlorophyll and vitamin K.
Their flagship product, "Alpine ZeaGreen," is a green-hued powder containing 5% zeaxanthin, marketed for its dual benefits: eye health support and antioxidant protection. It's particularly popular among functional food brands looking to add natural color and nutrition to smoothies, energy bars, and green juices. The company also offers a standardized marigold-based zeaxanthin (up to 90% concentration) for pharmaceutical and supplement use, certified by ISO 14001 for environmental management.
Alpine Herbal's commitment to innovation is evident in their R&D lab, where they're currently developing a water-soluble zeaxanthin for beverage applications—a challenge in the industry due to the nutrient's hydrophobic nature. With a focus on small-batch, artisanal production, they cater to niche markets like organic cosmetics and premium supplements, offering MOQs as low as 1 kg. For businesses seeking unique, story-driven ingredients, Alpine Herbal Extracts delivers both quality and differentiation.
6. Lazio Natural Products (Lazio)
Located just outside Rome, Lazio Natural Products has been a family-owned manufacturer of herbal extracts since 1978. What began as a small operation supplying local pharmacies has grown into a global exporter, with zeaxanthin being one of their star products. The company's strength lies in its traditional extraction methods, combined with modern quality control: they use a gentle ethanol-based process to extract zeaxanthin from marigold petals, preserving its natural structure and bioactivity.
Lazio Natural offers zeaxanthin in multiple forms: powder (5-20% concentration), softgel capsules (private label), and liquid drops for direct consumer use. Their most popular product is a lutein and zeaxanthin supplement blend, formulated with bilberry extract and vitamin C for enhanced eye support—a bestseller in Italian pharmacies and health stores. All products are tested in-house for potency and purity, with results available on request.
What makes Lazio Natural a standout is its focus on accessibility. They welcome small businesses and startups, offering low MOQs (5 kg for powders, 500 units for private label capsules) and affordable pricing. Their team also provides free formulation consultations, helping clients create products tailored to their target audience—whether it's a budget-friendly daily supplement or a premium "doctor-recommended" line. With over 40 years of experience, they bring a wealth of knowledge to every partnership.
7. Apulia Extracts & Trading (Apulia)
Apulia, Italy's "heel," is known for its sunlit plains and marigold fields, making it the perfect home for Apulia Extracts & Trading. Founded in 2012, this young but dynamic company specializes in raw zeaxanthin extract, supplying manufacturers across Europe and the Middle East. They work directly with over 50 local farms, ensuring fair prices for farmers and consistent quality for clients. Their extraction facility, equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, can process up to 10 tons of marigold petals daily during peak harvest season (June to August).
Apulia Extracts offers natural zeaxanthin extract in crude form (1-5% concentration) for further processing, as well as refined powder (10-30%) for immediate use in supplements. They also trade in lutein-rich marigold meal, a byproduct of extraction used in animal feed—a testament to their commitment to zero waste. The company is certified by the EU Feed Additives and Premixtures Quality System (FAMI-QS), ensuring their products meet strict safety standards for both human and animal consumption.
What sets Apulia Extracts apart is its focus on sustainability. They've invested in rainwater harvesting systems and use biodegradable packaging, and their farms practice crop rotation to maintain soil health. For businesses looking to align with eco-conscious values, this commitment to environmental stewardship is a major draw. With competitive pricing and a loyal network of farmers, they're a reliable source for bulk, high-quality zeaxanthin extract.
8. Milan Pharma Ingredients (Lombardy)
As its name suggests, Milan Pharma Ingredients caters to the pharmaceutical industry, offering high-purity zeaxanthin for use in prescription medications and clinical supplements. Based in Milan's thriving medical district, the company partners with top Italian universities to develop innovative extraction techniques, resulting in pharmaceutical-grade zeaxanthin with 98% purity—the highest concentration available on the market.
Milan Pharma's zeaxanthin is derived from non-GMO marigold flowers, sourced from controlled farms in Lombardy and Piedmont. The extraction process uses advanced chromatography to isolate zeaxanthin from other carotenoids, ensuring minimal impurities. Their products are available in powder and crystalline form, with strict batch-to-batch consistency—a critical requirement for pharmaceutical applications. They also offer custom particle sizes and solubility options to meet specific formulation needs.
Certified by ISO 13485 (medical device quality management) and compliant with FDA regulations, Milan Pharma undergoes regular audits to maintain its high standards. Their client list includes major pharmaceutical companies in Europe and North America, who rely on their expertise for clinical trials and commercial production. While their prices are premium, the quality and reliability make them the gold standard for pharmaceutical-grade zeaxanthin.
9. Sardinia Bioactives (Sardinia)
Sardinia, known for its pristine coastline and organic farming, is home to Sardinia Bioactives, a manufacturer specializing in marine and botanical extracts. Founded in 2003, the company has carved a niche in sustainable zeaxanthin production, using a unique source: microalgae. While most zeaxanthin comes from marigolds, Sardinia Bioactives cultivates Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae in closed photobioreactors, a method that requires less land and water than traditional farming and yields a highly pure, vegan-friendly zeaxanthin.
Their microalgae-derived zeaxanthin is available in powder (10-50% concentration) and oil suspension, marketed as "AlgaeZeax" for its sustainability credentials. It's particularly popular among vegan supplement brands and cosmetic companies, as it's free from animal-derived ingredients and pesticides. The company also offers a line of skincare serums containing zeaxanthin, touting its antioxidant and anti-aging benefits for the skin.
Sardinia Bioactives' commitment to innovation is evident in their ongoing research: they're currently exploring the use of zeaxanthin in functional beverages, working to develop a stable, water-soluble formulation. With certifications including EU Organic and Vegan Society approval, they appeal to the growing market of eco-conscious and plant-based consumers. For businesses looking for a unique, sustainable zeaxanthin source, Sardinia Bioactives is a trailblazer.
10. Venice Trading Co. (Veneto)
Rounding out our list is Venice Trading Co., a wholesaler and trader with a focus on connecting international buyers with Italian zeaxanthin manufacturers. Established in 1995, the company has built a reputation for bridging cultural and logistical gaps, making it easy for businesses in Asia, Africa, and the Americas to source Italian-quality zeaxanthin. They work with a curated list of 12 manufacturers across Italy, each specializing in different zeaxanthin types—from organic marigold extracts to pharmaceutical-grade microalgae powders.
Venice Trading offers a one-stop shop for zeaxanthin needs: they handle sourcing, quality testing, documentation (including EU export certificates), and shipping, allowing clients to focus on their core business. They provide samples from multiple suppliers, helping buyers compare quality and pricing before committing to large orders. Their product range includes bulk powders, pre-formulated blends (like lutein and zeaxanthin), and even finished goods for private label, such as softgel capsules and tablets.
What makes Venice Trading indispensable is its local expertise. With fluent speakers in Mandarin, Arabic, and English, they navigate language barriers effortlessly, and their knowledge of Italian export regulations ensures smooth customs clearance. They also offer flexible payment terms, including letters of credit, to build trust with new clients. For international businesses looking to tap into Italy's zeaxanthin market without the hassle of direct sourcing, Venice Trading Co. is the ideal partner.
Comparing Italy's Top Zeaxanthin Suppliers: A Quick Overview
| Supplier Name | Location | Key Products | Certifications | Target Markets | Unique Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean Botanicals | Sicily | Natural zeaxanthin powder/oil, lutein blends | ISO 9001, GMP | Supplements, functional foods | Vertically integrated supply chain |
| NutraVision Italia | Emilia-Romagna | Pharmaceutical-grade zeaxanthin, microencapsulated powder | Kosher, Halal, EU Novel Food | Pharmaceuticals, premium supplements | R&D focus on eye health |
| GreenWave Extracts | Tuscany | Organic zeaxanthin powder/liquid, private label | EU Organic, USDA Organic, Ecocert | Organic supplements, cosmetics | Supercritical CO2 extraction |
| BioNaturae Ingredients | Veneto | Bulk zeaxanthin (synthetic/natural), lutein blends | GMP, third-party tested | Large-scale manufacturers | Logistical expertise, global shipping |
| Alpine Herbal Extracts | Piedmont | Kale/spinach-derived zeaxanthin, green blends | ISO 14001 | Functional foods, niche supplements | Cold-climate extraction, unique sources |
Choosing the right zeaxanthin supplier is more than just a transaction—it's a partnership that impacts product quality, brand reputation, and customer trust. Italy's top zeaxanthin suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders offer a wealth of options, from organic and sustainable extracts to pharmaceutical-grade purity, ensuring there's a fit for every business need. Whether you prioritize sustainability, innovation, affordability, or logistical efficiency, the Italian market delivers on all fronts. As demand for zeaxanthin continues to grow, these suppliers stand ready to support the next generation of eye health products, functional foods, and cosmetics—proving once again why Italy remains a global leader in natural ingredient excellence.



