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

If there's a name that comes up first in Montenegro's zeaxanthin circles, it's Adriatic BioExtracts. Founded in 2003 in the coastal town of Budva, this family-owned manufacturer has built its reputation on one thing: purity. Specializing in marigold-derived zeaxanthin, they pride themselves on a "seed-to-shelf" approach, partnering with local farmers to grow non-GMO marigolds and overseeing every step of extraction—from harvesting to cold-press processing to avoid heat degradation.

Their product line is impressive, ranging from 5% to 20% zeaxanthin powder to custom lutein and zeaxanthin blends (a favorite among supplement brands crafting the best lutein zeaxanthin supplement formulas). What sets them apart? Rigorous testing. Every batch undergoes HPLC analysis to verify potency, and they hold GMP, ISO 22000, and organic certifications, making them a go-to for EU-based clients who prioritize clean labels.

While they primarily supply bulk ingredients to nutraceutical companies in Germany, Austria, and Italy, they also offer smaller quantities for startups. Their customer service is another highlight—their team of biochemists is known for providing detailed COAs and even helping clients troubleshoot formulation challenges. For reliability and transparency, Adriatic BioExtracts is hard to beat.

For wholesalers and traders, Balkan NutraTraders is the name to know. Based in Podgorica, Montenegro's capital, this company acts as a bridge between local manufacturers and global buyers, offering a one-stop shop for zeaxanthin and other carotenoids. Founded in 2010, they've built a network of 12 partner factories across Montenegro and neighboring Serbia, allowing them to source everything from standard zeaxanthin powder to specialized microencapsulated forms for better absorption in supplements.

What makes Balkan NutraTraders stand out is their flexibility. Need a small trial order of 1kg? They can handle it. Need a bulk shipment of 500kg to the U.S.? Their logistics team, with experience navigating EU export regulations, ensures on-time delivery. They also stock ready-to-ship inventory, which is a lifesaver for clients facing tight production deadlines.

While they don't manufacture their own products, their strict vetting process for partners means quality isn't compromised. All suppliers must provide GMP certifications and pass third-party audits, and Balkan NutraTraders offers a 30-day quality guarantee on all orders. Their target markets include North America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, and they're particularly popular among cosmetic formulators looking for zeaxanthin extracts for anti-aging serums and sunscreens.

Nestled in the agricultural heartland of Nikšić, Mediterra Zeaxanthin Works is all about innovation. Founded in 2015 by a team of food scientists, this manufacturer specializes in novel zeaxanthin formulations, including water-soluble extracts (perfect for beverages and clear liquids) and oil-based suspensions for softgels. Their claim to fame? A patented extraction process that uses supercritical CO2 instead of chemical solvents, resulting in a purer, more stable product with a longer shelf life.

Mediterra's focus on R&D has made them a favorite among pharmaceutical and functional food companies. Their 10% water-soluble zeaxanthin is a hit in energy drinks and fortified juices, while their lutein and zeaxanthin microbeads are used in chewable vitamins for kids. They also offer organic-certified options, sourced from marigolds grown without synthetic pesticides in the fertile valleys around Lake Skadar.

Certifications-wise, they hold ISO 9001, Kosher, and Halal certifications, opening doors to markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Their minimum order quantity (MOQ) is higher than some suppliers (25kg for standard powders), but for clients needing specialized formulations, the investment is worth it. Plus, their technical support team provides free sample testing and formulation advice—something many larger manufacturers skimp on.

If sustainability is your top priority, look no further than Coastal Extracts & Co. Based in Kotor, a UNESCO-listed coastal town, this manufacturer has made eco-friendliness its mission. From solar-powered extraction facilities to zero-waste processing (marigold stems are repurposed as animal feed, and water is recycled for irrigation), they've earned a reputation as Montenegro's "greenest" zeaxanthin supplier.

Their product range is focused but impactful: they specialize in high-potency zeaxanthin (15-20% powder) and organic lutein and zeaxanthin blends, all sourced from their own 200-acre marigold farm in the Zeta Plain. They're particularly proud of their carbon-neutral shipping program, offsetting emissions by planting trees in partnership with local environmental groups.

While their prices are slightly higher than competitors, clients (including several eco-conscious supplement brands in Scandinavia) say the premium is justified by the sustainability story, which resonates with today's consumers. They also offer private labeling for small batches, making them a great fit for startups in the natural products space. With a 4.9/5 rating on supplier review platforms, Coastal Extracts & Co. proves that green business and quality can go hand in hand.

As one of the largest wholesalers in the country, Montenegro NutraIngredients (MNI) is all about scale. Founded in 2012 in Podgorica, they work with over 30 manufacturers across the Balkans to offer a wide range of zeaxanthin products, from raw powder to encapsulated supplements. Whether you need 1kg of standard zeaxanthin or 1 ton of custom-blended granules, MNI can deliver—often within 48 hours for EU orders.

Their strength lies in variety. They stock everything from low-cost, 5% zeaxanthin for budget-friendly supplements to ultra-pure 20% extract for high-end cosmetics. They also specialize in hard-to-find forms, like oil-soluble zeaxanthin for lip balms and lotions. What's more, they offer competitive pricing for bulk orders, thanks to their volume buying power.

MNI's target markets are diverse, from wholesalers in Eastern Europe to cosmetic manufacturers in Turkey and Greece. They don't hold their own manufacturing certifications, but they provide full documentation from their partner factories, including GMP and ISO credentials. For buyers who value choice and speed over direct manufacturing control, MNI is a reliable workhorse.

For traders looking to source globally, Balkan Botanicals Trading is a key player. Based in Bar, Montenegro's busiest port city, this company imports raw zeaxanthin from India and China, then processes and repackages it for European markets. While they don't grow or extract their own, they add value through strict quality control—testing every incoming shipment for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination before reselling.

Their niche? Affordability. By leveraging Bar's strategic location (close to EU markets with lower import duties than Western Europe), they offer competitive pricing on bulk zeaxanthin powder (5-10%), making them popular with budget-focused supplement brands and animal feed manufacturers (zeaxanthin is used to enhance egg yolk color in poultry farming).

They also offer flexible payment terms, including letters of credit, which is a boon for international buyers. While they don't specialize in organic or high-potency products, their reliability and quick turnaround times (7-10 days for EU delivery) keep clients coming back. For small to medium businesses needing cost-effective supply, Balkan Botanicals Trading is a solid choice.

Named after Montenegro's largest lake, Skadar Lake Bioactives is a manufacturer with a focus on traditional extraction methods. Founded by a team of herbalists and chemists in 2010, they use a gentle ethanol extraction process (inspired by old-world herbalism) to preserve zeaxanthin's bioactivity. The result? A product with higher antioxidant capacity than heat-extracted alternatives, according to their in-house studies.

Their signature offering is a 10% zeaxanthin extract in liquid form, which is popular among tincture and herbal supplement brands. They also produce powdered zeaxanthin, but it's their liquid extracts that set them apart—clients rave about the smooth texture and lack of bitter aftertaste, making them ideal for oral sprays and liquid vitamins.

While they're smaller than some competitors (producing around 500kg of zeaxanthin annually), they make up for it with personalized service. They offer custom formulations (like zeaxanthin with bilberry extract for eye health supplements) and even provide samples for testing at no cost. They hold organic and Kosher certifications, and their facility is audited annually by the Montenegrin Ministry of Health. For brands prioritizing bioactivity and uniqueness, Skadar Lake Bioactives is a hidden gem.

As the name suggests, Montenegro Marigold Traders is all about raw materials. This wholesaler, based in Bijelo Polje, sources dried marigold petals (the raw material for zeaxanthin extraction) from over 100 local farmers, then sells them to manufacturers both in Montenegro and abroad. While they don't produce finished zeaxanthin, they play a crucial role in the supply chain, ensuring a steady flow of high-quality marigolds to extractors.

Their value proposition is simple: direct farmer relationships. By cutting out middlemen, they offer competitive prices on dried marigold petals (with a guaranteed zeaxanthin content of 1.5-2%), making them a favorite among small to medium manufacturers who prefer to handle extraction in-house. They also provide assistance with logistics, helping clients navigate customs for international shipments.

With a focus on quantity (they can supply up to 50 tons of dried petals monthly during harvest season), they're a reliable partner for manufacturers with large-scale needs. They also offer pre-testing services, sending samples to a third-party lab for clients to verify zeaxanthin content before placing orders. For those in the extraction business, Montenegro Marigold Traders is an essential ally.

Adriatic NutraPowders, based in Herceg Novi, is a relative newcomer (founded in 2018) but has quickly made a name for itself with its innovative microencapsulated zeaxanthin. Using a proprietary coating technology, they create zeaxanthin particles that are more stable in high-heat or acidic environments—perfect for baked goods, sports drinks, and other challenging formulations.

Their product line includes microencapsulated zeaxanthin (5-10%) and lutein and zeaxanthin blends, designed to withstand processing temperatures up to 180°C. They've already secured partnerships with several food manufacturers in Croatia and Slovenia, who use their ingredients in energy bars and fortified cereals.

While they're still building their certification portfolio (currently holding GMP and ISO 9001), their technical team has impressed clients with their responsiveness—they offer free stability testing for custom formulations and even help optimize production processes to reduce waste. For brands looking to innovate beyond traditional supplements, Adriatic NutraPowders is worth watching.

Rounding out our list is Balkan Zeaxanthin Export, a trader with a global reach. Based in Podgorica, this company partners with manufacturers across the Balkans (including several on this list) to export zeaxanthin to markets as far as Australia, Canada, and Brazil. Their strength is in logistics—they handle everything from documentation to shipping, making it easy for international buyers to source Montenegrin zeaxanthin without navigating local regulations.

They offer a wide range of products, from bulk powder to finished capsules, and specialize in small to medium orders (starting at 5kg), making them ideal for startups or brands testing new markets. They also provide competitive pricing by consolidating orders from multiple manufacturers, reducing shipping costs for clients.

While they don't manufacture their own products, they're known for thorough quality checks, including third-party testing for every shipment. Their customer service team speaks five languages, and they offer 24/7 support for urgent orders. For global buyers seeking a hassle-free way to access Montenegro's zeaxanthin market, Balkan Zeaxanthin Export is a reliable partner.