Zeaxanthin, a naturally occurring carotenoid, has become a cornerstone in the health and wellness industry, celebrated for its role in supporting eye health, boosting antioxidant defenses, and promoting overall well-being. Often paired with lutein, another vital carotenoid, zeaxanthin is found in leafy greens, marigolds, and other plants, but its concentrated form—extracted and processed into supplements, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics—has become increasingly sought after globally. Tanzania, with its rich agricultural landscapes and growing focus on herbal extracts, has emerged as a key player in the zeaxanthin supply chain, hosting a range of suppliers that blend local expertise with international quality standards.
Whether you're a business owner looking to source bulk zeaxanthin for supplements, a manufacturer crafting eye health products, or a wholesaler seeking reliable partners, Tanzania's zeaxanthin market offers diverse options. From family-run operations rooted in traditional herbal knowledge to modern facilities with cutting-edge extraction technologies, the country's suppliers cater to a spectrum of needs. In this guide, we'll explore the top 10 zeaxanthin suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Tanzania, highlighting their strengths, product offerings, and what makes them stand out in a competitive global market.
Before diving into the list, it's worth revisiting why zeaxanthin has captured the attention of health enthusiasts and industries alike. As one of the main carotenoids found in the retina, zeaxanthin acts as a natural filter for harmful blue light, reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Its antioxidant properties also extend beyond eye health, supporting skin health and immune function. When combined with lutein, the pair forms a powerful duo often recommended by ophthalmologists, making lutein and zeaxanthin supplements a staple in many households. For businesses, sourcing high-quality zeaxanthin is not just about meeting demand—it's about delivering products that truly benefit consumers, which is why choosing the right supplier is critical.
| Supplier Name | Established | Key Products | Certifications | Target Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzania NutraExtracts Ltd | 2008 | Zeaxanthin powder (5-20%), Lutein-zeaxanthin blends | GMP, ISO 9001, Organic (EU/USDA) | Europe, Middle East, East Africa |
| GreenEye Botanicals Tanzania | 2012 | Organic zeaxanthin extract, Liquid zeaxanthin solutions | USDA Organic, Fair Trade | North America, Australia, Local retailers |
| Equator Zeaxanthin Industries | 2015 | Bulk zeaxanthin (up to 30% purity), Custom formulations | GMP, Halal, Kosher | Asia, Africa, Pharmaceutical companies |
| Serengeti Herbal Traders | 1995 | Natural zeaxanthin (marigold-derived), Herbal extract blends | ISO 22000, Organic Tanzania | Local markets, East African pharmacies |
| Kilimanjaro BioExtracts | 2010 | Pharma-grade zeaxanthin, Lutein-zeaxanthin capsules (OEM) | WHO-GMP, ISO 13485 | Global pharmaceutical firms, Nutraceutical brands |
| Dar es Salaam Wholesale Extracts | 2005 | Industrial-grade zeaxanthin, Bulk raw materials | ISO 9001 | Local manufacturers, Food/beverage industries |
| Ngorongoro Natural Products | 2018 | Wild-harvested zeaxanthin (sustainable sources), Vegan-friendly extracts | Ecocert, Vegan Society | Europe (vegan brands), Cosmetics industry |
| Zanzibar Marine & Herbal Extracts | 2014 | Marine-derived zeaxanthin, Algae-based supplements | ISO 22000, FSSAI | India, Southeast Asia, Dietary supplement makers |
| Mwanza BioTech Solutions | 2016 | High-purity zeaxanthin (25-30%), Research-grade extracts | ISO 17025 (lab testing), GMP | Academic institutions, Biotech firms |
| Tanga Herbal Exports | 2001 | Zeaxanthin powder, Dried marigold petals (raw material) | Organic EU, SGS-certified | Global wholesalers, Extract manufacturers |
Founded in 2008, Tanzania NutraExtracts Ltd has grown from a small family business to one of the country's leading zeaxanthin manufacturers, with a reputation for consistency and innovation. Based in Arusha, near the fertile plains where marigold farms thrive, the company prides itself on sourcing locally grown marigold petals—rich in natural zeaxanthin—to create high-quality extracts.
Product Offerings: Their core products include zeaxanthin powder (ranging from 5% to 20% purity), as well as custom lutein-zeaxanthin blends tailored to client needs. They also offer encapsulated supplements for businesses looking for ready-to-market products. What sets their extracts apart is the gentle extraction process, which preserves the carotenoid's bioactivity, ensuring maximum efficacy for end-users.
Certifications: Tanzania NutraExtracts holds GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification, ISO 9001 for quality management, and both EU and USDA Organic certifications, making their products suitable for organic-labeled supplements. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their partnerships with local farmers, who follow eco-friendly farming practices to reduce chemical use.
Customer Focus: The company serves a diverse clientele, from small health food brands in East Africa to large pharmaceutical companies in Europe and the Middle East. They offer flexible ordering options, including small trial batches for new businesses and bulk orders (up to 500kg per month) for established players. Their customer service team, fluent in English, Swahili, and Arabic, ensures smooth communication throughout the supply chain.
Why Choose Them? For businesses prioritizing traceability, Tanzania NutraExtracts provides full transparency, from farm to finished product. Their in-house lab conducts rigorous testing for purity and potency, and they offer detailed certificates of analysis (CoA) with every order. Many clients praise their reliability—on-time deliveries and consistent product quality have earned them a loyal customer base over the years.
GreenEye Botanicals Tanzania, established in 2012, is a pioneer in organic zeaxanthin production, with a mission to "bring nature's best to eye health." Located in Morogoro, a region known for its organic farming communities, the company works directly with over 200 smallholder farmers to grow marigolds without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, ensuring a truly natural product.
Product Offerings: GreenEye's flagship product is their organic zeaxanthin extract, available in powder (10-15% purity) and liquid form, ideal for skincare and beverage applications. They also specialize in liquid zeaxanthin solutions, which are popular among cosmetic manufacturers for anti-aging serums and eye creams. For the supplement market, their lutein and zeaxanthin softgels are a hit, often recommended by dermatologists and ophthalmologists for their gentle formulation.
Certifications: Beyond USDA Organic certification, GreenEye holds Fair Trade certification, ensuring farmers receive fair prices for their crops. They are also certified by the Vegan Society, as their extraction process uses plant-based solvents, making their products suitable for vegan and vegetarian brands. Their facility is audited annually by third-party organizations to maintain these standards.
Customer Focus: GreenEye primarily targets North American and Australian markets, where demand for organic and ethically sourced ingredients is high. They also partner with local retailers in Tanzania, making organic zeaxanthin accessible to local consumers. Their minimum order quantity (MOQ) is lower than many competitors (starting at 1kg for powders), making them a favorite among small to medium-sized businesses.
Why Choose Them? If sustainability and ethics are at the core of your brand, GreenEye Botanicals delivers. Their "Farm to Formula" approach ensures every step—from planting marigold seeds to extracting zeaxanthin—is done with care for the environment and the community. Customers often highlight their responsive support team and willingness to customize products, such as adjusting purity levels or packaging, to meet specific needs.
Equator Zeaxanthin Industries, founded in 2015, is a relative newcomer but has quickly made a name for itself with its focus on high-purity zeaxanthin and cutting-edge technology. Based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's commercial hub, the company operates a state-of-the-art extraction facility equipped with supercritical CO2 extraction machines—considered the gold standard for preserving heat-sensitive compounds like zeaxanthin.
Product Offerings: Equator specializes in bulk zeaxanthin with purity levels up to 30%, making it a top choice for pharmaceutical companies and research institutions. They also offer custom formulations, such as zeaxanthin combined with omega-3s or vitamins, for nutraceutical brands looking to create unique supplements. Their product line includes both powder and oil-based extracts, catering to different manufacturing needs.
Certifications: The company holds GMP certification, as well as Halal and Kosher certifications, opening doors to markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Their facility is ISO 14001 certified for environmental management, reflecting their commitment to reducing waste and energy use during production.
Customer Focus: Equator's main clients are large-scale manufacturers, including pharmaceutical giants and multinational supplement brands in Asia and Africa. They offer competitive pricing for bulk orders (100kg+), with discounts for long-term contracts. Their logistics team is experienced in international shipping, handling documentation and customs clearance to ensure timely delivery.
Why Choose Them? For businesses needing high-purity zeaxanthin, Equator delivers unmatched quality. Their CO2 extraction process ensures minimal degradation of the carotenoid, resulting in a more potent product. Clients also appreciate their research and development (R&D) support—their in-house scientists can assist with product testing and formulation optimization, making them a valuable partner for innovation-driven brands.
Serengeti Herbal Traders, established in 1995, is one of Tanzania's oldest herbal extract suppliers, with deep roots in traditional medicine. Based in Mwanza, on the shores of Lake Victoria, the company started as a small market stall selling dried herbs and has since expanded into a full-scale manufacturer, specializing in natural zeaxanthin derived from locally grown marigolds.
Product Offerings: Their core product is natural zeaxanthin powder (8-12% purity), made using a water-based extraction method that aligns with traditional herbal practices. They also offer herbal extract blends, combining zeaxanthin with other beneficial herbs like bilberry and ginseng, for holistic health supplements. For local markets, they sell small sachets of zeaxanthin powder, making it affordable for everyday consumers.
Certifications: Serengeti Herbal Traders holds ISO 22000 certification for food safety management and is certified organic by the Tanzania Organic Agriculture Movement (TOAM). While they don't target international organic markets, their local certification ensures compliance with Tanzania's strict organic standards, appealing to regional buyers.
Customer Focus: The company's primary focus is on local and East African markets, supplying pharmacies, health food stores, and small supplement brands. They have a network of distributors across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, ensuring wide availability. Their customer service is known for its personal touch—many clients have worked with the company for decades, valuing their reliability and trustworthiness.
Why Choose Them? For businesses operating in East Africa, Serengeti Herbal Traders offers unmatched local expertise and accessibility. Their long-standing relationships with farmers ensure a steady supply of raw materials, even during seasonal fluctuations. They also pride themselves on affordability, making natural zeaxanthin accessible to a broader range of consumers, from small businesses to individual buyers.
Kilimanjaro BioExtracts, founded in 2010, is a pharmaceutical-grade zeaxanthin manufacturer located in Moshi, at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The company was born from a collaboration between Tanzanian scientists and European pharmaceutical experts, with a goal to produce zeaxanthin that meets the strictest global standards for medicinal use.
Product Offerings: Their specialty is pharma-grade zeaxanthin (99% pure), used in prescription eye drops and high-potency supplements for AMD treatment. They also offer OEM services, producing encapsulated lutein and zeaxanthin supplements for brands that want to private-label their products. For research institutions, they provide small-batch, ultra-pure zeaxanthin for laboratory studies.
Certifications: Kilimanjaro BioExtracts holds WHO-GMP certification, the highest standard for pharmaceutical manufacturing, and ISO 13485 certification for medical device quality management. Their products are registered with Tanzania's Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA) and have received import approvals in the EU and US, making them a trusted supplier for regulated industries.
Customer Focus: Their clients include global pharmaceutical companies, ophthalmic clinics, and research universities. They require strict confidentiality agreements, given the sensitive nature of pharmaceutical supply chains, and offer dedicated account managers for each client to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Why Choose Them? For pharmaceutical and medical applications, Kilimanjaro BioExtracts is the gold standard in Tanzania. Their rigorous quality control processes, including batch testing and stability studies, ensure consistent potency and safety. Clients often note their attention to detail—from documentation to packaging—that makes regulatory submissions smoother.
Dar es Salaam Wholesale Extracts, established in 2005, is a go-to supplier for industrial-grade zeaxanthin, catering to the food, beverage, and cosmetic industries. Located in Tanzania's largest city, the company operates a sprawling warehouse and production facility, focused on high-volume output and competitive pricing.
Product Offerings: They specialize in bulk zeaxanthin powder (5-10% purity), sold in 25kg drums for industrial use. Their products are often used as colorants in beverages, baked goods, and cosmetics, where zeaxanthin's vibrant yellow hue adds natural coloring. They also supply raw marigold petals to other extract manufacturers, acting as a middleman for farmers and processors.
Certifications: While they don't hold organic or pharmaceutical certifications, Dar es Salaam Wholesale Extracts is ISO 9001 certified for quality management, ensuring consistent product standards. Their focus is on affordability and availability, making them a popular choice for price-sensitive industries.
Customer Focus: Their main clients are local food and beverage manufacturers, as well as cosmetic producers in East Africa. They offer same-day delivery within Dar es Salaam and next-day delivery to other major cities, with flexible payment terms for regular customers. Their MOQ is 25kg, but they occasionally accept smaller orders for urgent needs.
Why Choose Them? For businesses needing large quantities of zeaxanthin at a competitive price, Dar es Salaam Wholesale Extracts delivers. Their location in the commercial capital ensures easy access to ports and transportation networks, reducing logistics costs. Clients appreciate their no-frills approach—reliable supply, straightforward pricing, and quick turnaround times.
Ngorongoro Natural Products, founded in 2018, is a young, eco-conscious supplier specializing in wild-harvested zeaxanthin from sustainable sources. Based in Arusha, near the Ngorongoro Crater, the company works with Maasai communities to harvest marigolds and other plants from the wild, ensuring minimal impact on the local ecosystem.
Product Offerings: Their unique selling point is wild-harvested zeaxanthin extract (10-15% purity), marketed as a "biodiversity-friendly" alternative to farm-grown marigolds. They also produce vegan-friendly zeaxanthin capsules, free from gelatin and other animal products, targeting the growing vegan supplement market. For cosmetics, they offer a zeaxanthin-rich oil extract, used in anti-aging creams for its antioxidant properties.
Certifications: Ngorongoro Natural Products is certified by Ecocert for sustainable wild collection and holds Vegan Society certification. They are also a member of the Fair Wild Foundation, which promotes ethical wild harvesting practices, ensuring that local communities benefit from the trade of natural resources.
Customer Focus: Their main markets are Europe, where sustainable and vegan products are in high demand, and niche cosmetic brands focused on natural ingredients. They offer small-batch ordering (1-5kg) for startups and eco-conscious businesses, with storytelling materials—photos of the Maasai harvesters and their communities—to help brands connect with consumers.
Why Choose Them? For brands centered on sustainability and storytelling, Ngorongoro Natural Products offers a compelling narrative. Their wild-harvested zeaxanthin not only supports biodiversity but also empowers local communities, making it a powerful marketing tool. Clients praise their commitment to transparency—they share photos and updates from the harvest season, building trust with end consumers.
Zanzibar Marine & Herbal Extracts, established in 2014, is a unique supplier specializing in marine-derived zeaxanthin, sourced from algae farmed off the coast of Zanzibar. While most zeaxanthin comes from marigolds, algae is a rich alternative source, and the company has tapped into Zanzibar's pristine waters to cultivate high-quality algae for extraction.
Product Offerings: Their flagship product is marine zeaxanthin powder (15-20% purity), with a higher antioxidant content than marigold-derived zeaxanthin, according to their lab tests. They also produce algae-based supplements, combining zeaxanthin with other marine nutrients like omega-3s and iodine, for a comprehensive health boost. For dietary supplement makers, they offer bulk algae extract powder, which can be used as a base for multi-nutrient formulas.
Certifications: Zanzibar Marine & Herbal Extracts holds ISO 22000 certification for food safety and is certified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), making their products suitable for the Indian market, where marine supplements are popular. Their algae farms are certified organic by the Zanzibar Organic Farmers Association (ZOFA).
Customer Focus: They primarily supply dietary supplement manufacturers in India and Southeast Asia, where marine ingredients are valued for their health benefits. They also work with cosmetic brands looking for unique antioxidant-rich ingredients. Their MOQ is 5kg, and they offer sample packs (100g) for product testing.
Why Choose Them? For businesses seeking innovative, marine-derived zeaxanthin, Zanzibar Marine & Herbal Extracts stands out. Their algae-based products offer a point of differentiation in a market dominated by marigold extracts, and their coastal location ensures fresh, high-quality raw materials. Clients appreciate their technical support—their marine biologists can provide data on the antioxidant activity of their extracts, helping brands market their products effectively.
Mwanza BioTech Solutions, founded in 2016, is a research-driven supplier focused on high-purity zeaxanthin for the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Based in Mwanza, the company partners with the University of Dar es Salaam to develop advanced extraction techniques, resulting in some of the purest zeaxanthin available in Tanzania.
Product Offerings: Their specialty is high-purity zeaxanthin powder (25-30% purity), used in clinical trials and pharmaceutical formulations. They also offer research-grade extracts, with detailed purity reports and stability data, for academic institutions and biotech companies. For nutraceutical brands, they provide custom microencapsulated zeaxanthin, which improves absorption in the body.
Certifications: Mwanza BioTech Solutions holds ISO 17025 certification for their in-house testing lab, ensuring accurate and reliable product analysis. They are also GMP certified, with a cleanroom facility for producing pharmaceutical-grade extracts. Their research collaborations are peer-reviewed, adding credibility to their product claims.
Customer Focus: Their clients include research universities, biotech startups, and pharmaceutical companies conducting clinical trials. They offer small, precision-engineered batches (100g-1kg) for research purposes, with detailed technical support—their scientists are available to answer questions about extraction methods and product stability.
Why Choose Them? For research and pharmaceutical applications requiring ultra-pure zeaxanthin, Mwanza BioTech Solutions is the top choice in Tanzania. Their academic partnerships ensure cutting-edge technology, and their lab testing provides the data needed for regulatory submissions. Clients value their scientific expertise—many report that working with Mwanza BioTech has accelerated their research timelines.
Tanga Herbal Exports, established in 2001, is a leading exporter of zeaxanthin raw materials, connecting Tanzanian farmers with global extract manufacturers. Based in the coastal city of Tanga, the company sources marigold petals from farms across the country, processes them into crude extract, and exports to buyers in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Product Offerings: Their main products are dried marigold petals (rich in zeaxanthin and lutein) and crude zeaxanthin extract (5-8% purity), which is further processed by clients into high-purity powder. They also offer custom drying and milling services, tailoring the raw material to client specifications (e.g., particle size, moisture content).
Certifications: Tanga Herbal Exports is certified organic by EU Organic standards, making their marigold petals suitable for organic extract production. They also hold SGS certification for quality and safety, ensuring compliance with international import regulations.
Customer Focus: Their clients are large extract manufacturers and wholesalers worldwide, who value Tanzania's high-quality marigold crops. They offer bulk shipping (1000kg+ containers) at competitive prices, with flexible payment terms for long-term contracts. Their logistics team handles all export documentation, simplifying the import process for clients.
Why Choose Them? For businesses needing raw materials for zeaxanthin extraction, Tanga Herbal Exports offers reliable supply and global reach. Their extensive network of farmers ensures a steady flow of marigold petals, even during peak seasons, and their experience in international trade minimizes shipping delays. Clients appreciate their hands-on approach—they often arrange farm visits for buyers, building trust in the supply chain.
With so many options, selecting the right zeaxanthin supplier in Tanzania depends on your specific needs. For organic and sustainable products, GreenEye Botanicals and Ngorongoro Natural Products stand out. For high-purity pharmaceutical-grade extracts, Kilimanjaro BioExtracts and Mwanza BioTech Solutions are top picks. If you're looking for bulk industrial-grade zeaxanthin, Dar es Salaam Wholesale Extracts and Tanga Herbal Exports offer competitive pricing.
Regardless of your choice, Tanzania's zeaxanthin suppliers share a commitment to quality and innovation, leveraging the country's agricultural strengths to meet global demand. As the market for zeaxanthin continues to grow—driven by increasing awareness of eye health and natural ingredients—Tanzania is poised to remain a key player, offering diverse options for businesses worldwide.
Remember to prioritize suppliers with relevant certifications, transparent supply chains, and responsive customer service. A good supplier isn't just a vendor—they're a partner in your product's success, ensuring that the zeaxanthin you deliver to consumers is safe, effective, and sourced with care.
