Top 10 Lutein Suppliers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Traders in Albania

Founded in 2010 in the heart of Tirana, Albanian Natural Extracts Ltd. has built a reputation as a trusted name in the natural ingredients space, with a focus on organic and sustainably sourced lutein. What sets this family-owned business apart is its commitment to transparency—from the marigold farms in southern Albania, where flowers are hand-picked at peak ripeness, to the extraction facility in Tirana, where cold-press methods preserve the lutein's potency.

Their product range includes lutein in various purities (5% to 90%), as well as lutein-zeaxanthin blends tailored for eye health supplements. They also offer organic-certified options, meeting EU and USDA standards, which is a boon for brands targeting eco-conscious consumers. Whether you're a startup needing small retail-sized batches (starting at 1kg) or a larger manufacturer ordering bulk (50kg+), they flexibly accommodate orders, with most shipments within Albania delivered in 2-3 business days.

Customers praise their personalized service—many note that the team takes time to understand specific needs, whether it's adjusting particle size for better solubility in beverages or creating custom formulations for anti-aging creams. With certifications like ISO 9001 and GMP, Albanian Natural Extracts Ltd. is a solid choice for those prioritizing quality and sustainability.

With over 18 years in the industry, Balkan Bioactives Trading, based in Durrës, is a heavyweight in the bulk lutein market, catering primarily to food and beverage manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies across the Balkans. Their claim to fame? Consistency. They source marigold extract from vetted farms in Albania and Greece, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality raw material, even during peak demand seasons.

Their product line is straightforward but robust: bulk lutein powder (10% to 85% purity), lutein esters for better absorption in supplements, and marigold extract concentrates for natural coloring in foods. They're also one of the few suppliers in Albania offering Halal and Kosher certified lutein, making them a go-to for brands targeting diverse religious markets. Minimum orders start at 100kg, which may be steep for small businesses, but their competitive pricing—often 10-15% lower than European counterparts—makes them ideal for large-scale operations.

What customers appreciate most is their reliability. A local food manufacturer notes, "We've never had a delayed shipment in five years—even during the pandemic, they found alternative logistics to keep our production lines running." With ISO 22000 certification and a dedicated quality control team, Balkan Bioactives Trading is a workhorse for businesses that need consistent, affordable lutein in bulk.

For small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking for flexibility, Tirana Herbal Solutions, established in 2015, is a breath of fresh air. Located in the capital's industrial zone, this agile supplier specializes in small-batch, custom lutein formulations, making them perfect for startups testing new products or niche brands with unique needs.

Unlike larger manufacturers, they offer minimum orders as low as 5kg, and their product range is surprisingly diverse: from standard lutein powder to water-soluble lutein for clear beverages, and even lutein-infused botanical blends (think lutein + bilberry extract for eye health supplements). They also provide private labeling services, helping new brands get to market faster without investing in expensive packaging equipment.

While they may not have the same global reach as some competitors, their customer service shines. A local cosmetic formulator shares, "When I needed a lutein serum with a specific viscosity, they sent three samples in a week and adjusted the formula until it was perfect." With GMP and HACCP certifications, Tirana Herbal Solutions proves that you don't have to sacrifice quality for flexibility—making them a top pick for SMBs in Albania and neighboring Kosovo and Macedonia.

For businesses in the pharmaceutical and clinical research space, Adriatic Extracts Manufacturing in Vlorë is the gold standard. Founded in 2008, this supplier focuses exclusively on high-purity, pharmaceutical-grade lutein, with options reaching 95% purity—among the highest in Albania. Their state-of-the-art facility, equipped with HPLC and GC testing labs, ensures each batch meets strict potency and safety standards.

What truly sets them apart is their support for clinical trials. They work closely with universities and research institutions, providing detailed COAs (Certificates of Analysis) and stability data to back up product efficacy. Their lutein-zeaxanthin complexes, in particular, are popular among companies developing supplements for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) research, thanks to their precise 5:1 lutein-to-zeaxanthin ratio, which aligns with studies on eye health.

Minimum orders start at 25kg, and while their prices are higher than bulk suppliers, the investment is worth it for pharmaceutical-grade quality. As one research scientist put it, "Their lutein is so consistent, we've used it in three clinical trials without a single batch variation." With ISO 13485 (medical device) certification and FDA registration, Adriatic Extracts Manufacturing is the supplier of choice for brands prioritizing clinical credibility.

Nestled in the agricultural region of Elbasan, Elbasan Organic Traders is a champion of sustainable sourcing. Since 2012, they've partnered with over 50 small-scale farmers to grow marigold flowers without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, earning them USDA Organic, EU Organic, and Fair Trade certifications. For brands marketing themselves as eco-friendly or socially responsible, this supplier ticks all the boxes.

Their product line centers on organic lutein powder (10% to 70% purity), along with raw marigold flower extract for herbal teas and natural cosmetics. They also offer "traceability reports" for curious customers, detailing the farm where the marigolds were grown, the extraction date, and even the farmer's name—a level of transparency that resonates with today's conscious consumers.

Minimum orders are 20kg, and while organic products often come with a premium, Elbasan Organic Traders keeps prices competitive by cutting out middlemen and working directly with farmers. A natural skincare brand owner shares, "Our customers love that our lutein serum supports Albanian farmers—sales doubled after we added the traceability info to our packaging." For businesses building a story around sustainability, this supplier is a perfect partner.

When it comes to industrial-scale needs, Durrës Bulk Ingredients, founded in 2003, is the backbone of Albania's lutein supply chain. Based in the country's largest port city, they specialize in moving massive quantities of lutein and carotenoid mixes—think 500kg+ orders—to food manufacturers, animal feed producers, and even international buyers via sea freight.

Their focus is on efficiency and cost-effectiveness. They source marigold extract from global suppliers (alongside local farms) to ensure year-round availability, and their production line runs 24/7 to meet tight deadlines. While their lutein is primarily industrial-grade (10-30% purity), it's ideal for applications like fortifying pasta, bread, or livestock feed—where high purity isn't necessary, but volume and price are.

What makes them indispensable? Their logistics network. With a warehouse steps from Durrës Port, they can ship to Italy, Greece, or Turkey in under 48 hours, and to farther destinations like Spain or Germany in a week. A pasta manufacturer in Italy notes, "Their bulk pricing and fast shipping let us keep our production costs low without compromising on quality." With ISO 9001 certification and FSSAI approval for export to India, Durrës Bulk Ingredients is the go-to for large-scale, cost-sensitive buyers.

For brands in the vegan and clean-label space, Shkodër Natural Products, established in 2018, is a rising star. Based in the northern city of Shkodër, this young supplier has carved a niche with its 100% vegan lutein extracts, free from animal-derived carriers or gelatin—making them a favorite among plant-based supplement and cosmetic brands.

Their product line includes premium lutein powder (80-90% purity) and vegan-friendly liquid lutein for easy integration into gels or serums. They're also one of the few suppliers in Albania with Vegan Society Certification, a strict standard that ensures no animal testing or byproducts are used in any stage of production.

While they're still building their export network, their local reputation is strong. A vegan supplement brand owner in Tirana says, "Their lutein capsules are our top seller—customers love that they're cruelty-free and potent." With minimum orders of 10kg and GMP certification, Shkodër Natural Products is proof that new players can make waves by focusing on underserved niches like vegan wellness.

For pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers, Vlorë Pharma Ingredients is the gold standard. Founded in 2010 in the coastal city of Vlorë, this supplier specializes in pharmaceutical-grade lutein and lutein-zeaxanthin complexes, designed to meet the rigorous standards of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and FDA.

Their facilities are state-of-the-art, with cleanrooms for sterile production and in-house testing labs that analyze every batch for heavy metals, microbes, and potency. They also offer regulatory support, helping clients navigate the complex paperwork required to register lutein-based products as medical devices or prescription supplements.

Minimum orders start at 50kg, and their prices reflect the precision of their products, but for companies in the medical space, the investment is justified. A pharmaceutical distributor in Greece notes, "Their lutein meets EMA's strict impurity limits, which is non-negotiable for us." With EMA compliance, GMP certification, and ISO 14001 for environmental management, Vlorë Pharma Ingredients is the trusted partner for life sciences companies in the Balkans and beyond.

For businesses looking to export lutein beyond Albania, Korçë Herbal Exports, founded in 2007, is the expert. Based in the southeastern city of Korçë, near the Greek border, this supplier has built a network spanning the EU, Middle East, and North Africa, making them ideal for Albanian brands wanting to expand internationally or foreign buyers seeking reliable Balkan-sourced ingredients.

Their product line is export-focused: standardized lutein powder (50-85% purity), marigold extract, and a range of botanical powders (like bilberry and ginkgo biloba) that pair well with lutein in supplements. They handle all the logistics, from customs paperwork to EU import certifications, and even offer bilingual customer support in Albanian, Greek, and English.

Minimum orders are 100kg for exports (20kg for local clients), and they offer competitive freight rates thanks to partnerships with major shipping lines. An EU-based supplement brand shares, "Working with Korçë Herbal Exports simplified our supply chain—they handle everything, so we can focus on marketing." With CE marking, ISO 22000 certification, and a track record of on-time international deliveries, this supplier is a bridge between Albanian quality and global markets.

Rounding out our list is Fier Wellness Ingredients, a dynamic supplier in the coastal city of Fier, specializing in innovative lutein applications for the wellness and beauty industries. Since 2014, they've gained a reputation for thinking outside the box—offering products like collagen-lutein blends for anti-aging supplements, and liquid lutein for functional beverages and skincare serums.

Their standout product? A water-soluble lutein extract that dissolves completely in clear liquids, a game-changer for brands making "invisible" supplements or vitamin-infused waters. They also cater to the Halal market, with certified Halal lutein that's popular in supplements for Muslim-majority countries like Albania, Kosovo, and Turkey.

With minimum orders of 5kg (liquid) or 10kg (powder), they're accessible to both small and medium brands. A wellness drink company in Tirana says, "Their liquid lutein made our 'eye health shot' possible—no gritty texture, just a smooth, natural taste." With GMP, ISO 9001, and Halal certifications, Fier Wellness Ingredients is the supplier for brands looking to innovate with lutein beyond traditional powders.