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

Nestled in the heart of the Shire Valley, Malawi Marigold Extracts Ltd. (MME) is more than just a manufacturer—it's a pioneer in sustainable zeaxanthin production. Founded in 2010 by a team of agricultural scientists, MME started with a simple mission: to turn Malawi's marigold blooms into world-class extracts while supporting local farmers. Today, the company owns and operates 300 acres of marigold farms, where rows of golden flowers stretch as far as the eye can see, tended by 150+ local workers trained in organic farming practices.

What sets MME apart is its vertically integrated model. Unlike many suppliers who rely on third-party raw materials, MME controls every step of the process, from planting to packaging. The marigolds are harvested by hand at peak ripeness—typically 60-70 days after planting—when their zeaxanthin content is highest. The petals are then transported to the company's state-of-the-art extraction facility, where they undergo a cold-press process to preserve the delicate carotenoids. "Heat can break down zeaxanthin, so we use low-temperature extraction to ensure our powder retains 98% of its natural potency," explains Sarah Kadzamira, MME's quality control manager.

MME's product line includes organic zeaxanthin powder (5-10% concentration) and lutein and zeaxanthin blends, which are popular with supplement brands focused on eye health. All products are certified EU Organic and GMP, and the company recently achieved ISO 22000 certification for food safety management. "We've seen a surge in demand from European buyers who prioritize traceability," says Kadzamira. "They want to know exactly where their ingredients come from, and we can show them photos of the exact field their marigolds were grown in."

Beyond quality, MME is committed to sustainability. The farm uses drip irrigation to conserve water, and waste petals are composted and returned to the soil. "Our goal is to be carbon-neutral by 2026," Kadzamira adds. For businesses seeking ethically sourced, high-potency zeaxanthin, MME is a standout choice.

In the bustling city of Blantyre, Malawi's commercial capital, Blantyre Botanicals Wholesalers has carved out a niche as the bridge between local farmers and global markets. Founded in 2015 by John Phiri, a former agricultural economist, the company started with just 5 small-scale marigold farms. Today, it partners with over 20 farms across southern Malawi, aggregating their marigold petals to produce bulk zeaxanthin extract and oleoresin for buyers worldwide.

"Smallholder farmers often struggle to reach international buyers on their own," Phiri explains. "We provide them with training, organic seeds, and fair prices, then process their petals into consistent, high-quality extracts. It's a win-win: farmers earn steady income, and buyers get reliable, traceable ingredients." Blantyre Botanicals' product range includes bulk zeaxanthin extract (1-20% concentration) and marigold oleoresin, a thick, golden liquid used in food coloring and supplements. The company's ISO 9001 certification ensures consistent quality, and its Halal certification has opened doors to markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Speed is another of Blantyre Botanicals' strengths. With a warehouse in Blantyre and partnerships with DHL and Ethiopian Airlines, the company can ship bulk orders (100kg+) within 48 hours of payment. "We know time is money in this industry," Phiri says. "Our clients in India and Australia love that they can get Malawian zeaxanthin faster than sourcing from Europe." The company also offers flexible packaging, from 25kg drums to 1-tonne bulk bags, making it easy for buyers to scale their orders.

Looking ahead, Blantyre Botanicals plans to expand into value-added products, like microencapsulated zeaxanthin for beverage applications. "The demand for clean-label ingredients is growing, and Malawi has the potential to be a leader in that space," Phiri adds. For wholesalers and manufacturers seeking affordable, bulk zeaxanthin with a quick turnaround, this Blantyre-based supplier is hard to beat.

When it comes to pharmaceutical-grade zeaxanthin, Lilongwe NutraIngredients is a name that commands respect. Based in Malawi's capital city, the company specializes in producing high-purity extracts for the pharmaceutical, supplement, and nutraceutical industries. Founded in 2012 by Dr. James Banda, a pharmacologist with 15+ years of experience in natural product chemistry, Lilongwe NutraIngredients has built a reputation for precision and innovation.

The company's facility, located just outside Lilongwe, is a far cry from traditional extractors. Equipped with HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) machines and cleanroom technology, it's designed to meet the strictest global standards. "Pharmaceutical clients demand extracts with consistent potency—down to the milligram," Dr. Banda explains. "Our in-house lab tests every batch for purity, heavy metals, and microbial contamination, ensuring it meets USP and EP monographs."

Lilongwe NutraIngredients' flagship products include pharmaceutical-grade zeaxanthin (98% purity) and microencapsulated zeaxanthin beads, which are designed for slow-release in supplements. The beads are particularly popular with companies making timed-release eye health formulas, as they ensure the body absorbs the zeaxanthin gradually throughout the day. "We also offer custom formulations," Dr. Banda notes. "A client in Canada recently asked for a zeaxanthin-vitamin C blend, and we developed it in six weeks."

Certifications are a point of pride for the company: FDA registered, GMP compliant, and Kosher certified. "We've invested heavily in quality systems because we know pharmaceutical companies can't compromise," Dr. Banda says. The company exports to 12 countries, with a growing client base in the U.S. and Japan. For businesses needing zeaxanthin that meets the rigorous standards of the pharmaceutical industry, Lilongwe NutraIngredients is a trusted partner.

For businesses seeking raw marigold materials or crude zeaxanthin extract, Lake Malawi Agro-Traders is a standout supplier with a heart for community. Based in Mzuzu, near the shores of Lake Malawi, the company works with 30+ smallholder farms in the Northern Region, providing them with training, seeds, and fair prices for their marigold petals. "Our farmers are our partners," says founder Maryam Patel. "Many of them were growing maize and tobacco, which are vulnerable to price fluctuations. Marigolds have given them a stable income stream."

Lake Malawi Agro-Traders' product lineup includes raw marigold petals (fresh or dried), crude zeaxanthin extract (1-5% concentration), and dried marigold powder—ideal for companies that want to process the extract themselves. All products are sourced from farms that use organic inputs, and the company is Fair Trade Certified, meaning farmers receive a premium price that funds community projects like schools and clean water wells. "Last year, we built a primary school in the village of Nkhata Bay with our Fair Trade profits," Patel adds. "It's rewarding to see the impact beyond just business."

While the company doesn't produce finished extracts, it ensures quality at the source. Patel's team visits each farm weekly to monitor crop health, and petals are tested for zeaxanthin content before purchase. "We use a portable HPLC device to check potency on-site," she explains. "Farmers get a higher price if their petals have more zeaxanthin, which incentivizes them to grow the best crop possible." For buyers, this means consistent raw materials with full traceability.

Lake Malawi Agro-Traders primarily sells to manufacturers in India, China, and South Africa, who process the crude extract into high-purity powder. "We're proud to put Malawian farmers on the global map," Patel says. For businesses that value ethical sourcing and want to support rural communities, this trader is an excellent choice.

Innovation is the name of the game at Mzuzu Herbal Extracts, a manufacturer specializing in water-soluble zeaxanthin— a product that's revolutionizing how the compound is used in beverages and skincare. Located in the northern city of Mzuzu, the company was founded in 2018 by a team of food scientists who saw a gap in the market: most zeaxanthin extracts are oil-soluble, limiting their use in water-based products like juices, energy drinks, and serums. "We wanted to make zeaxanthin more versatile," says lead scientist Dr. Felix Mkandawire.

Mzuzu Herbal Extracts' water-soluble zeaxanthin is created using a proprietary microencapsulation process, where zeaxanthin molecules are wrapped in plant-based starches, allowing them to dissolve in water without losing potency. "It took two years of research, but we finally got it right," Dr. Mkandawire says. "Now, a juice company can add our powder to their product and get a clear, yellow tint with all the zeaxanthin benefits —no oily residue." The company also produces a popular lutein-zeaxanthin complex (5:1 ratio), designed for eye health supplements.

Certifications are a priority for Mzuzu Herbal Extracts, which holds USDA Organic and GMP certifications. The company's facility is powered by solar panels, and it uses rainwater harvesting to reduce its environmental footprint. "Sustainability and innovation go hand in hand for us," Dr. Mkandawire notes. Clients include skincare brands in Europe (who use the water-soluble extract in serums) and beverage companies in East Africa.

Looking to the future, the company plans to expand its water-soluble line to include other carotenoids like beta-carotene and astaxanthin. "Malawi has the potential to be a hub for specialty extracts," Dr. Mkandawire says. For businesses seeking cutting-edge zeaxanthin solutions, Mzuzu Herbal Extracts is leading the way.

Zomba Organics, based in the historic city of Zomba, is on a mission to prove that "zero waste" isn't just a buzzword—it's a business model. The company, founded in 2016 by environmentalist David Chibwe, produces organic zeaxanthin granules and cold-pressed marigold oil, using every part of the marigold plant to minimize waste. "Marigolds are incredible—even the stems and leaves have value," Chibwe explains. "We dry the stems for animal feed, use leaves in compost, and press the petals for oil and extract. Nothing goes to landfill."

Zomba Organics' flagship product is its organic zeaxanthin granules, which are popular with supplement brands for their slow-release properties. The granules are made by mixing zeaxanthin extract with organic rice flour, creating a easy-to-capsulate powder. The company also produces cold-pressed marigold oil, rich in zeaxanthin and other antioxidants, which is used in natural skincare products. "Our oil is cold-pressed at 40°C to preserve nutrients, and it's a hit with companies making anti-aging creams," Chibwe says.

Certifications include EU Organic and Ecocert, and the company is currently pursuing B Corp status. "We measure our success by more than profits," Chibwe adds. "We track our carbon footprint, water usage, and the well-being of our 75 employees." Zomba Organics also partners with local schools to teach sustainable farming, and its visitor center welcomes tours for clients who want to see the process firsthand.

With a focus on transparency and sustainability, Zomba Organics has built a loyal client base in Europe and North America. "Buyers today want to align with brands that share their values," Chibwe says. "We're proof that you can make high-quality extracts while caring for the planet."

Kasungu Bioactives is putting Malawi on the map for eco-friendly zeaxanthin production, thanks to its solar-powered extraction facility and carbon-neutral operations. Located in Kasungu, a rural district in central Malawi, the company was founded in 2017 by engineer Patrick Mbewe, who wanted to combine his love for technology with sustainable agriculture. "Most extraction facilities rely on fossil fuels, which are expensive and bad for the environment," Mbewe explains. "We designed our plant to run on solar energy, which cuts costs and reduces our carbon footprint."

The company produces natural, non-GMO zeaxanthin powder (2-15% concentration) and lutein and zeaxanthin softgel premix, which is ready to be encapsulated by supplement brands. Kasungu Bioactives sources marigolds from 15 local farms, which are paid a premium for organic, non-GMO crops. The extraction process uses supercritical CO2, a clean technology that avoids harsh solvents, resulting in a pure, solvent-free extract. "Supercritical CO2 extraction is more expensive upfront, but it produces a better product," Mbewe says. "Our clients in the U.S. and Europe are willing to pay more for solvent-free extracts, especially for premium supplements."

Kasungu Bioactives holds ISO 14001 certification for environmental management and GMP certification for quality. The company's solar farm generates 50kW of power—enough to run the extraction facility and excess energy is sold back to the national grid. "We're not just carbon-neutral; we're carbon-positive," Mbewe adds. "Last year, we offset 120 tonnes of CO2 through reforestation projects."

For businesses that prioritize sustainability and clean extraction methods, Kasungu Bioactives is a standout choice. "We believe the future of ingredients is green," Mbewe says. "And Malawi is leading the way."

Nkhata Bay Supplements Ltd. is a trader and exporter with a focus on cosmetic-grade zeaxanthin, catering to skincare brands that want to harness the compound's antioxidant and anti-aging properties. Based in the lakeside town of Nkhata Bay, the company works with 10+ marigold farms in the area, processing petals into a light, easily absorbable extract ideal for serums and creams. "Skincare companies need zeaxanthin that's fine enough to blend into formulas without clumping," says founder Grace Tembo. "Our extract has a particle size of 5 microns, which is perfect for clear serums."

In addition to cosmetic-grade extract, Nkhata Bay Supplements offers low-iron zeaxanthin, a specialty product for brands that need iron-free ingredients (iron can discolor some skincare products). "We developed low-iron extract after a client in France asked for it," Tembo explains. "We use a proprietary filtration process to remove iron, and it's now one of our top sellers." The company also provides custom blending services, mixing zeaxanthin with other antioxidants like vitamin E or green tea extract for skincare companies.

Certifications include ISO 22000 for food safety and Cruelty-Free certification, which is crucial for cosmetic clients. "We never test on animals, and we ensure our suppliers don't either," Tembo adds. Nkhata Bay Supplements primarily exports to Europe, with clients in France, Italy, and the UK, and it offers small minimum order quantities (MOQs) of 1kg for new customers. "We want to make it easy for startups to try Malawian zeaxanthin," Tembo says.

With a focus on innovation and customer service, Nkhata Bay Supplements is helping put Malawi on the map for cosmetic ingredients. "Skincare is all about results, and our zeaxanthin delivers," Tembo says. "Brands love that it's natural, effective, and sustainably sourced."

Thyolo Zeaxanthin Works is a manufacturer with a reputation for precision, specializing in USP-grade zeaxanthin and marigold extract tablets. Located in the Thyolo District, known for its fertile soil and ideal marigold-growing climate, the company has been a staple in the industry since 2008. "Thyolo marigolds are the best in Malawi—our soil has just the right pH and nutrients," says general manager Thomas Gondwe. "We've been told by clients that our zeaxanthin has a more consistent potency than extracts from other countries."

The company's USP-grade zeaxanthin powder (99% purity) is its flagship product, used by pharmaceutical companies in Europe and North America to make prescription eye health supplements. "USP standards are the gold standard for pharmaceuticals," Gondwe explains. "Our in-house lab runs 15+ tests per batch, including dissolution and stability testing, to ensure compliance." Thyolo Zeaxanthin Works also produces marigold extract tablets, which are sold to supplement brands as finished products or private-label options.

Certifications include USP Verified, GMP, and WHO-GMP, making the company a trusted partner for regulated industries. The facility is equipped with automated packaging lines, allowing for high-volume production—up to 500kg of powder per day. "We recently expanded our production capacity to meet growing demand from the U.S. market," Gondwe says. "Eye health is a priority for aging populations, and zeaxanthin is at the forefront of that."

For businesses that need pharmaceutical-grade precision and reliability, Thyolo Zeaxanthin Works is a top choice. "We don't cut corners," Gondwe adds. "When a client orders from us, they know exactly what they're getting—every single time."

Rounding out our list is Mangochi Wellness Ingredients, a wholesaler and manufacturer that's making waves with its custom best lutein zeaxanthin supplement blends. Based in the lakeside town of Mangochi, the company works with 12 local farms to source marigold petals and specializes in creating tailor-made formulas for supplement brands. "Every client has different needs," says founder Andrew Kamanga. "One brand might want a 10:1 lutein-zeaxanthin ratio for eye health, while another wants a 1:1 blend for skincare. We can do it all."

Mangochi Wellness' product line includes organic zeaxanthin powder, pre-mixed supplement blends, and private-label capsules. The company's most popular blend is its "Eye Health Complex," which combines zeaxanthin, lutein, vitamin C, and zinc—key nutrients for vision support. "We developed this blend after seeing demand from small supplement brands that didn't have the resources to formulate their own products," Kamanga explains. "It's ready to bottle, which saves them time and money."

Certifications include EU Organic and Vegan Certified, and the company offers full traceability for all ingredients. "We provide clients with a batch certificate that includes farm location, extraction date, and test results," Kamanga says. Mangochi Wellness primarily sells to brands in Africa and the Middle East, but it's expanding into Europe with its new vegan line.

What truly sets Mangochi Wellness apart is its customer service. The company assigns a dedicated account manager to each client, who helps with formulation, packaging, and shipping. "We want to be more than a supplier—we want to be a partner," Kamanga adds. For brands seeking custom blends and personalized support, this wholesaler is an excellent choice.