1. Mauritanian Natural Extracts Co. (MNECO)
Founded in 2010, MNECO has grown from a small local operation to one of Mauritania's leading suppliers of plant-based extracts, with zeaxanthin as its flagship product. Based in Nouakchott, the company prides itself on sourcing raw materials from organic farms across the Sahel region, where sunlight and soil quality create ideal conditions for zeaxanthin-rich crops like marigold and kale.
MNECO specializes in bulk zeaxanthin powder, available in concentrations ranging from 5% to 20%, making it suitable for everything from dietary supplements to fortified beverages. What sets them apart? Their in-house lab, where every batch is tested for purity and heavy metal content, ensuring compliance with both local Mauritanian standards and international regulations like the EU's Food Safety Authority guidelines.
Key Strengths: Organic certification, regional sourcing, small-batch flexibility for local businesses.
2. Saharan Nutraceuticals Ltd.
If you're in the market for pharmaceutical-grade zeaxanthin, Saharan Nutraceuticals is a name you'll want to remember. Established in 2015, this Nouadhibou-based manufacturer focuses on high-purity extracts, with their zeaxanthin offering boasting a minimum 98% concentration—perfect for use in prescription eye health supplements and medical research.
What makes Saharan Nutraceuticals stand out is their commitment to innovation. They've invested in state-of-the-art CO2 extraction technology, which preserves the integrity of the zeaxanthin molecule better than traditional solvent-based methods. This attention to detail has earned them partnerships with international pharmaceutical firms, who rely on their products for clinical trials and commercial production.
Key Strengths: Pharmaceutical-grade purity, GMP-certified facility, advanced extraction tech.
3. African Zeaxanthin Traders (AZT)
For wholesalers and traders looking to move large volumes, African Zeaxanthin Traders is the go-to. With headquarters in Nouakchott and warehouses in Dakar (Senegal) and Lagos (Nigeria), AZT has built a logistics network that ensures fast, reliable delivery across West Africa. They source their zeaxanthin from trusted manufacturers in India and China, but what makes them unique is their ability to customize orders—whether you need 5kg for a small supplement line or 500kg for a regional beverage brand.
AZT also prides itself on transparency. They provide full traceability reports for every shipment, detailing the origin of the raw materials, extraction methods, and third-party lab results. For businesses in Mauritania that value accountability, this level of openness is a game-changer.
Key Strengths: Bulk wholesale focus, pan-African logistics, customizable orders.
4. Green Horizon Extracts
Green Horizon Extracts is a family-owned business with a big mission: to make zeaxanthin accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Mauritania. Founded in 2018 by a team of biochemists, they offer smaller minimum order quantities (as low as 1kg) without compromising on quality. Their product line includes both standalone zeaxanthin powder and blends with lutein, capitalizing on the well-documented lutein and zeaxanthin benefits for eye health.
Based in Atar, a city in northern Mauritania known for its agricultural innovation, Green Horizon sources locally grown marigold petals during the harvest season, supporting small farmers in the process. This "farm-to-extract" model not only reduces their carbon footprint but also ensures fresher raw materials—resulting in a more potent final product.
Key Strengths: SME-friendly pricing, local sourcing, lutein-zeaxanthin blends.
5. Global Lutein & Zeaxanthin Distribution (GLZD)
As the name suggests, GLZD is all about connecting Mauritanian businesses to the global market. This international trader, with a regional office in Nouakchott, partners with top zeaxanthin manufacturers in Europe and the Americas, bringing premium products to local shores. Their portfolio includes organic zeaxanthin (certified by the USDA and EU Organic), non-GMO options, and even vegan-friendly extracts derived from algae—catering to the growing demand for sustainable, ethical ingredients.
GLZD's team of nutrition experts also offers free consulting services, helping clients choose the right zeaxanthin formulation for their needs. Whether you're developing a skincare line (zeaxanthin's antioxidant properties make it a hit in anti-aging creams) or a sports supplement, their insights can save you time and money in product development.
Key Strengths: Global partnerships, organic/vegan options, expert consulting.
6. Mauritania Marine Extracts
Most zeaxanthin suppliers focus on land-based sources, but Mauritania Marine Extracts is breaking the mold by harvesting zeaxanthin from microalgae found in the nutrient-rich waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Based in Nouadhibou, a coastal city with a thriving fishing industry, they've developed a sustainable aquaculture system that grows microalgae in controlled tanks, ensuring a consistent supply year-round.
Their marine-derived zeaxanthin is gaining popularity among cosmetic brands, thanks to its high bioavailability—meaning it's easier for the skin to absorb. It's also rich in other antioxidants, making it a multitasking ingredient for serums and lotions. For businesses looking to market "ocean-friendly" or "marine-sourced" products, this is a unique selling point.
Key Strengths: Marine-sourced innovation, cosmetic-grade quality, sustainable aquaculture.
7. Sahel Bioactives
Sahel Bioactives is a rising star in the Mauritanian zeaxanthin scene, focusing on traditional extraction methods with a modern twist. Located in Kiffa, a city in the southern region known for its herbal medicine traditions, they combine age-old techniques (like sun-drying and cold pressing) with modern testing equipment to create zeaxanthin extracts that honor local heritage while meeting global standards.
Their most popular product? A zeaxanthin-lutein paste, designed for use in traditional Mauritanian remedies and functional foods like fortified couscous and millet porridge. It's a hit with local food manufacturers looking to add a nutritional boost to staple dishes, and it's also exported to neighboring countries where demand for natural health products is on the rise.
Key Strengths: Traditional-meets-modern approach, food-grade pastes, regional cultural alignment.
8. Desert Bloom Trading Co.
Desert Bloom Trading Co. is all about affordability without sacrificing quality. This wholesaler, based in Chinguetti, specializes in bulk zeaxanthin powder at competitive prices, making it a favorite among budget-conscious supplement brands and start-ups. They source from a network of verified manufacturers in China and India, but unlike some low-cost suppliers, they never cut corners on testing—every shipment comes with a certificate of analysis (COA) to prove purity and potency.
What's endearing about Desert Bloom is their customer service. They offer flexible payment terms for small businesses, including installment plans, and their sales team is known for going the extra mile to meet tight deadlines. For first-time buyers nervous about investing in large quantities, they also provide free samples—so you can test the product before committing.
Key Strengths: Budget-friendly pricing, flexible terms, free sample offerings.
9. Nouakchott Pharmaceutical Ingredients (NPI)
Nouakchott Pharmaceutical Ingredients is a relative newcomer, founded in 2020, but they've quickly made a name for themselves in the medical sector. Focused exclusively on ingredients for pharmaceuticals, their zeaxanthin is used in eye drops, oral supplements, and even injectables for severe eye conditions. They're certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for good manufacturing practices (GMP), and their facility meets the stringent standards of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
NPI's niche is custom formulations. If a client needs zeaxanthin combined with other nutrients like vitamin E or omega-3s, their R&D team can develop a tailored blend—saving pharmaceutical companies the hassle of working with multiple suppliers. This level of specialization has made them a trusted partner for both local Mauritanian clinics and international drugmakers.
Key Strengths: WHO/FDA certifications, custom pharmaceutical blends, medical sector focus.
10. Pan-African Natural Solutions (PANS)
Rounding out our list is Pan-African Natural Solutions, a trader with a heart for sustainability. PANS works with small-scale farmers in Mauritania, Senegal, and Mali to grow marigold flowers—one of the richest natural sources of zeaxanthin. By cutting out middlemen, they ensure farmers get a fair price for their crops, while clients benefit from traceable, ethically sourced ingredients.
Their zeaxanthin powder is available in both conventional and organic options, and they've recently launched a "zero-waste" line, where leftover plant material from extraction is turned into animal feed—reducing their environmental impact. For businesses looking to align with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals, PANS offers a compelling story that resonates with eco-conscious consumers.
Key Strengths: Fair trade sourcing, zero-waste model, organic options.
