Zeaxanthin has quietly become a star in the world of health and wellness, and for good reason. As a carotenoid found naturally in plants like marigolds, corn, and leafy greens, it's best known for supporting eye health—specifically, protecting the macula, that tiny but crucial part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. But its benefits don't stop there; emerging research hints at roles in skin health and even cognitive function. For businesses in New Zealand—whether you're formulating supplements, developing functional foods, or creating natural cosmetics—finding a reliable zeaxanthin supplier is key. After all, the quality of your raw ingredients directly impacts the quality of your end product.
New Zealand's reputation for strict regulatory standards, commitment to sustainability, and focus on natural products makes it a hub for trusted ingredient suppliers. From small-scale organic manufacturers to large-scale wholesalers, the country is home to a diverse range of companies specializing in zeaxanthin. In this guide, we'll spotlight 10 of the top players—suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders—who stand out for their quality, reliability, and customer-centric approach. Whether you're a startup looking for small-batch options or a multinational brand needing bulk quantities, there's something here for everyone.
1. Kiwi Naturals Extracts (Auckland)
Founded in 2010 in Auckland's vibrant industrial district, Kiwi Naturals Extracts has built a name for itself as a pioneer in organic zeaxanthin sourcing. What sets them apart? Their commitment to "seed-to-shelf" transparency. They partner with family-owned marigold farms in the Hawke's Bay region, where flowers are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. The extraction process uses cold-press technology to preserve the integrity of the zeaxanthin, ensuring maximum potency.
Kiwi Naturals caters to both small businesses and large-scale manufacturers, offering everything from trial-sized samples (100g) to bulk orders (100kg+). Their product line includes both pure zeaxanthin powder and blends—most notably, a popular lutein and zeaxanthin mix tailored for eye health supplements. Customers rave about their responsive customer service; one local supplement brand owner noted, "They walked us through every step, from choosing the right grade to helping with compliance docs. It felt like partnering, not just purchasing."
Sustainability is another cornerstone. The company offsets 100% of its carbon emissions and uses biodegradable packaging for all shipments. If you're prioritizing organic, locally sourced ingredients with a personal touch, Kiwi Naturals is a standout choice.
2. Southern Hemisphere Botanicals (Christchurch)
For businesses needing pharmaceutical-grade zeaxanthin, Southern Hemisphere Botanicals in Christchurch is a go-to. Established in 2005, this GMP-certified manufacturer focuses on high-purity extracts, with zeaxanthin concentrations ranging from 5% to 98%. Their state-of-the-art facility in Christchurch's Innovation Park includes in-house labs where every batch is tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants—results are shared with customers via a detailed Certificate of Analysis (CoA).
What makes them unique? Their ability to customize. Whether you need micronized powder for better absorption in supplements or oil-soluble liquid extracts for cosmetics, their R&D team works closely with clients to develop tailored solutions. One pharmaceutical client noted, "We needed a 20% zeaxanthin oil for a new eye ｄｒｏｐ formulation, and they delivered samples within a week. The consistency across batches is unmatched."
Southern Hemisphere also prides itself on speed. Most in-stock products ship within 48 hours, and they offer expedited delivery for urgent orders. While their prices are slightly higher than some competitors, the quality and reliability make it worth the investment for businesses prioritizing pharmaceutical compliance.
3. Pacific Coast Supplements (Tauranga)
If you're a wholesaler or a brand looking to scale, Pacific Coast Supplements in Tauranga should be on your radar. Founded in 2015, they've carved a niche as New Zealand's leading bulk zeaxanthin trader, with connections to top global manufacturers. Their sweet spot? Sourcing high-quality zeaxanthin at competitive prices, then passing those savings on to customers.
Pacific Coast offers a wide range of grades, from food-grade (for functional foods like energy bars and smoothies) to cosmetic-grade (for anti-aging serums and eye creams). They also stock specialty products, such as water-soluble zeaxanthin—ideal for beverages like green juices or sports drinks. Their minimum order quantity is 5kg, but they're flexible for repeat clients; one beverage company reported, "We started with 10kg, and now we order 500kg quarterly—they even locked in a price for us to help with budgeting."
What really wins people over is their logistics expertise. As a Tauranga-based company, they leverage the city's port access to import directly from trusted suppliers in Europe and Asia, cutting out middlemen. This means faster lead times (typically 2–3 weeks) and lower costs. For businesses focused on affordability and scalability, Pacific Coast is a strong contender.
4. Aotearoa Eye Health Solutions (Wellington)
Wellington-based Aotearoa Eye Health Solutions is all about specialization. Since 2012, they've focused solely on eye health ingredients, with zeaxanthin as their flagship product. Their claim to fame? A proprietary "BioShield" formulation that enhances zeaxanthin's stability, making it last longer in supplements and reducing oxidation during storage.
While they do offer pure zeaxanthin, their most popular product is the "VisionPlus" blend—a science-backed mix of zeaxanthin (20%), lutein (80%), and vitamin E. This ratio, they explain, mimics the natural proportion found in the macula, making it easier for the body to absorb. They work closely with researchers at the University of Otago's Department of Ophthalmology to refine their formulations, ensuring they're based on the latest clinical studies.
Aotearoa caters primarily to supplement brands and pharmacies, but they also offer private labeling services for businesses wanting to launch their own eye health line. One pharmacy chain buyer shared, "Their VisionPlus blend has become our top-selling eye supplement. Customers notice a difference, and the compliance docs are always up to date—no headaches at audit time."
5. Green Pasture Extracts (Hamilton)
Nestled in Hamilton's agricultural heartland, Green Pasture Extracts is a family-run business with a passion for organic farming. Since 2008, they've grown and processed their own marigold crops on a 50-acre farm just outside the city, giving them full control over the supply chain. "We know every flower that goes into our extract," says co-founder Maria Chen. "That's how we guarantee quality."
Their zeaxanthin is certified organic by BioGro, New Zealand's leading organic certifier, and they use a gentle CO2 extraction method that avoids harsh solvents. The result is a vibrant orange powder with a zeaxanthin content of 10–15%, ideal for natural supplements and cosmetics. They also offer a unique "whole flower" extract, which includes other beneficial carotenoids and flavonoids from the marigold, appealing to brands marketing "full-spectrum" products.
Green Pasture is small but mighty, with a loyal customer base of boutique skincare and supplement brands. They prioritize education, often hosting farm tours for clients to see their operations firsthand. "It's not just about selling a product," Maria adds. "It's about building trust. When you can show someone where their ingredients come from, they feel confident in what they're putting in their products."
6. NZ Zeaxanthin Co. (Napier)
Napier's NZ Zeaxanthin Co. is a trader with a global reach. Founded in 2014, they've built partnerships with top zeaxanthin manufacturers in India, China, and Spain, allowing them to offer a wide range of grades and price points. Whether you need a budget-friendly 5% zeaxanthin for animal feed or a ultra-pure 98% pharmaceutical grade, they can source it.
What makes them unique is their focus on "fit-for-purpose" sourcing. They take the time to understand your end product and recommend the best grade, avoiding over-selling. For example, a cosmetic brand might not need the same purity as a pharmaceutical company, and NZ Zeaxanthin Co. will guide you to a cost-effective option without compromising quality. They also provide detailed market insights, sharing trends like the growing demand for zeaxanthin in anti-aging skincare.
Customer service is a priority here. Their team includes fluent speakers of Mandarin, Hindi, and Spanish, making communication with international suppliers seamless. One importer noted, "They handled all the customs paperwork and even helped us navigate NZ's MPI regulations—something we'd struggled with on our own. It took the stress out of importing."
7. Coastal Bioactives (Dunedin)
Dunedin's Coastal Bioactives is for businesses looking for something a little different: marine-sourced zeaxanthin. While most zeaxanthin comes from marigolds, Coastal Bioactives extracts it from microalgae grown in controlled tanks along the Otago coast. Why microalgae? It's a more sustainable option, requiring less water and land than traditional farming, and the zeaxanthin is naturally more bioavailable, they explain.
Their microalgae is grown in closed-loop systems using seawater and renewable energy (solar panels power their facility), making their process carbon-neutral. The extraction uses enzymatic hydrolysis, a gentle method that breaks down the algae cell walls without heat, preserving the zeaxanthin's structure. The result is a powder with a slightly higher cost but a loyal following among premium supplement brands.
Coastal Bioactives is also at the forefront of innovation. They recently launched a water-dispersible zeaxanthin beadlet, perfect for clear beverages like herbal teas or sparkling waters. "We wanted to make zeaxanthin accessible in more products," says founder Dr. James Wilson. "Beadlets mean no more orange streaks in your drink—just clear, functional hydration."
8. Pure Vision Ingredients (Rotorua)
Rotorua-based Pure Vision Ingredients is all about precision. Since 2011, they've specialized in high-purity zeaxanthin, with a focus on meeting the strictest international standards. Their facility is ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certified, and they regularly undergo third-party audits to ensure compliance with FDA and EU regulations.
Their product line is streamlined but top-tier: pure zeaxanthin powder (50–98% concentration) and a stabilized beadlet form for supplements. They pride themselves on batch consistency; each lot is tested in duplicate by independent labs in Auckland and Melbourne, and results are available online for customers to review. "We once had a client who needed to pass a particularly tough EU audit," recalls sales manager Lisa Patel. "We provided three years of batch data, and they sailed through."
Pure Vision primarily serves pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies, both in NZ and abroad. Their minimum order is 1kg, but they offer volume discounts for orders over 50kg. For businesses that can't compromise on quality or compliance, Pure Vision is a safe bet.
9. EcoExtracts NZ (New Plymouth)
New Plymouth's EcoExtracts NZ lives up to its name with a zero-waste philosophy. Founded in 2016, they source marigold petals from farms that would otherwise discard them (after harvesting for cut flowers), giving the byproduct a second life. The extraction process uses 100% recycled water, and leftover plant material is composted and returned to the farms as fertilizer.
Their zeaxanthin powder (10–20% concentration) is affordable, making it popular with small businesses and startups. They also offer a "value pack" for new customers: 5kg of zeaxanthin plus free samples of other ingredients like lutein or astaxanthin. "We remember what it's like to start out," says founder Tom Rangi. "Every dollar counts, so we try to make it easier to experiment and find what works."
EcoExtracts is certified by the Sustainable Business Council of NZ, and they donate 5% of profits to environmental causes. For businesses wanting to align with eco-conscious values without breaking the bank, this is a standout option.
10. National Nutraceuticals Ltd. (Palmerston North)
Last but not least, Palmerston North's National Nutraceuticals Ltd. is a one-stop shop for all things zeaxanthin. Established in 2003, they're one of NZ's oldest zeaxanthin suppliers, with a product range that covers every need: pure powder, oil-based extracts, water-soluble beadlets, and pre-made blends. They also offer comprehensive services, including custom formulation, private labeling, and even help with regulatory compliance (like MPI and TGA applications).
What makes them a top choice for many? Their scale. With a large warehouse and in-house production, they can handle orders of any size—from 100g to 1 ton—with quick turnaround times. They also stock hard-to-find grades, like a 5% zeaxanthin for pet supplements (yes, even dogs and cats benefit from eye health ingredients!).
National Nutraceuticals prides itself on being a "partner in growth." They offer flexible payment terms for small businesses and have a dedicated account manager for each client. One long-term customer shared, "We started with them as a tiny startup, and now we're a national brand. They grew with us, adjusting their services as our needs changed. That kind of loyalty is rare."
Choosing the Right Zeaxanthin Supplier for Your Needs
With so many excellent options in New Zealand, finding the right zeaxanthin supplier comes down to your specific priorities. Are you focused on organic sourcing? Kiwi Naturals or Green Pasture Extracts might be your best bet. Need pharmaceutical-grade quality? Southern Hemisphere Botanicals or Pure Vision Ingredients have you covered. For budget-friendly bulk orders, Pacific Coast Supplements or NZ Zeaxanthin Co. could be ideal.
Remember to ask potential suppliers about their certification (GMP, organic, ISO), testing protocols, and lead times. A good supplier will be transparent about their processes and happy to provide samples or references. And don't underestimate the value of customer service—especially if you're new to working with zeaxanthin, a supportive supplier can make all the difference in bringing your product to market smoothly.
Zeaxanthin's popularity isn't slowing down, and with New Zealand's reputation for quality, you can feel confident that any of these top 10 suppliers will help you create products that stand out. Whether you're formulating the next breakthrough eye supplement or adding a natural boost to your skincare line, the right zeaxanthin partner is out there—you just found 10 of them.
