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

Founded in 2015, Ethiopian Natural Extracts PLC has quickly become a household name in Ethiopia's lutein market. Based in Addis Ababa, this manufacturer specializes in extracting lutein from organically grown marigold flowers sourced from smallholder farmers in the Oromia region. What sets them apart? Their commitment to cold-press extraction, a method that preserves lutein's potency without using harsh chemicals. This focus on purity has made them a favorite among pharmaceutical companies and premium supplement brands.

Ethiopian Natural Extracts offers a range of products, including 5% to 20% lutein powder, water-soluble lutein for beverages, and lutein-zeaxanthin blends (a popular choice for eye health supplements). They're certified ISO 22000 and organic by Ecocert, ensuring their products meet international standards. While they primarily cater to wholesale clients, they also provide small-batch orders for startups testing new products. Clients praise their reliable delivery times and personalized customer service—key factors in a market where consistency is everything.

Nestled in the fertile lands of Hawassa, Green Harvest Lutein Industries has been a pioneer in sustainable lutein production since 2010. Unlike many suppliers that focus solely on marigold, Green Harvest sources lutein from a mix of local plants, including amaranth leaves and moringa, which thrive in Ethiopia's warm climate. This diverse sourcing not only supports biodiversity but also creates a unique, plant-based lutein profile that appeals to brands marketing "multi-source" supplements.

The company's flagship product is their 10% organic lutein powder, which is free from artificial preservatives and fillers. They also offer bulk quantities of lutein oil suspension, ideal for use in softgel capsules. Green Harvest prides itself on fair trade practices—they work directly with over 200 farmers, providing training in organic farming and ensuring fair prices for their crops. This approach has earned them certifications from Fair Trade International and the Organic Certifiers Association of Ethiopia. Their clients range from local health food stores to international traders exporting to Kenya and Sudan.

If you're in search of a one-stop shop for all things lutein, Addis Lutein Traders & Wholesalers should be on your list. Established in 2008, this family-owned business has built a reputation for versatility, offering everything from raw lutein crystals to pre-formulated supplement blends. Based in Addis Ababa's Merkato district, one of Africa's largest open markets, they specialize in bulk wholesale, making them a go-to for businesses looking to stock up on large quantities at competitive prices.

What makes Addis Lutein Traders stand out is their ability to source from multiple manufacturers, giving clients access to a wide range of products. Whether you need pharmaceutical-grade lutein (90% purity) for capsules or food-grade lutein for adding to energy bars, they can deliver. They also offer custom blending services, allowing clients to mix lutein with other nutrients like zeaxanthin or vitamin E. While they don't produce their own extracts, their strict quality control process—including third-party lab testing for every batch—ensures that all products meet safety standards. With a network of over 50 local and regional clients, they've become a trusted middleman in Ethiopia's lutein supply chain.

Located in the heart of Ethiopia's marigold-growing region in Jimma, Oromia Herbal Extracts Ltd. has been perfecting the art of lutein extraction since 2012. What started as a small family farm has grown into a full-fledged manufacturing facility, complete with state-of-the-art extraction equipment and a team of agronomists who work closely with farmers to optimize crop yields. Their specialty? High-potency lutein—their flagship product is a 25% lutein beadlet, designed for slow-release in supplements, which is particularly popular among eye health brands.

Oromia Herbal Extracts takes a "farm-to-finish" approach, controlling every step of the process from planting marigold seeds to packaging the final extract. This vertical integration allows them to keep costs low while maintaining strict quality control. They're certified GMP and have recently obtained EU organic certification, opening doors to export opportunities in Europe. In addition to bulk lutein, they produce lutein-enriched animal feed additives—a niche market that's growing as livestock farmers seek natural ways to enhance egg yolk color and nutritional value. With a focus on innovation, they're also researching new extraction methods to boost lutein yields, ensuring they stay ahead in a competitive market.

As the name suggests, Ethiopian Lutein & Zeaxanthin Co. specializes in the dynamic duo of eye health: lutein and zeaxanthin. Founded in 2018, this young but ambitious company has quickly made a name for itself by offering standardized blends of these two carotenoids, which work together to support macular health. Based in Bahir Dar, near Lake Tana, they source marigold flowers from the surrounding Gondar region, known for its nutrient-rich soil that enhances carotenoid content.

Their most popular product is a 10:2 lutein-zeaxanthin powder, which mirrors the ratio found naturally in the human eye, making it a top choice for supplement formulations. They also offer water-dispersible granules, ideal for adding to drinks, smoothies, and even baby food. Ethiopian Lutein & Zeaxanthin Co. prides itself on scientific rigor—they partner with Addis Ababa University's School of Pharmacy to conduct ongoing research on lutein's bioavailability and efficacy. This commitment to science has helped them secure contracts with international supplement brands looking for evidence-backed ingredients. They're also certified Halal, making their products accessible to Muslim-majority markets in the Middle East and North Africa.

Named after Ethiopia's iconic river, Blue Nile Extracts Trading has carved a niche as a trader specializing in export-quality lutein. Established in 2010, this Addis Ababa-based company works with small and medium-sized manufacturers across Ethiopia, aggregating their best products to sell to international buyers. Their focus is on convenience—they handle everything from sourcing and testing to shipping and documentation, making it easy for overseas clients to access Ethiopian lutein without navigating the local market.

Blue Nile Extracts offers a curated selection of lutein products, including organic lutein powder (5-20% purity), lutein esters for better absorption, and microencapsulated lutein for use in water-based products like juices. They're particularly known for their strict adherence to international standards—all products are tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination, with certificates of analysis provided for every order. Their client base includes supplement companies in the U.S., Europe, and Southeast Asia, drawn to Ethiopia's competitive pricing and Blue Nile's reliable service. With plans to expand into zeaxanthin and astaxanthin trading, they're poised to become a major player in Africa's broader carotenoid market.

In the southern region of Sidama, known for its organic coffee farms, Sidama Organic Extracts PLC is applying the same dedication to purity to lutein production. Founded in 2014 by a group of former coffee exporters, this company set out to create a lutein brand that prioritizes sustainability and social impact. Today, they work with over 300 organic-certified farmers to grow marigold and amaranth, using biodynamic farming practices that enrich the soil and protect local ecosystems.

Sidama's signature product is their "PureLutein" line—a 15% organic lutein powder that's cold-extracted to preserve nutrients. They also produce a line of lutein-infused skincare oils, tapping into the growing trend of natural cosmetics that offer both topical and nutritional benefits. What truly sets them apart, though, is their commitment to giving back: 10% of their profits go toward funding schools and healthcare clinics in the communities where their farmers live. This social mission has resonated with eco-conscious buyers, particularly in Europe and North America. Certified by USDA Organic and Fair Trade, Sidama Organic Extracts is proof that ethical business practices and high-quality products can go hand in hand.

Unlike the other entries on this list, the Tigray Lutein Manufacturers Association (TLMA) isn't a single company but a cooperative of 12 small-scale lutein producers in northern Ethiopia. Founded in 2017 to address the challenges faced by independent manufacturers—like limited access to markets and high production costs—TLMA has helped its members pool resources, share knowledge, and compete with larger players.

TLMA members specialize in a range of products, from basic lutein powder (5-10% purity) for local food fortification to more specialized extracts for export. By working together, they've been able to invest in shared equipment, like a communal extraction facility in Mekelle, which has boosted efficiency and reduced costs. The association also provides training in quality control and business management, empowering small producers to meet international standards. While TLMA's products are primarily sold within Ethiopia and neighboring countries like Eritrea and Djibouti, they're beginning to explore export opportunities, with a focus on affordable, mid-range lutein products. For buyers looking to support small businesses and community-driven initiatives, TLMA is an excellent choice.

Amhara BioNutrients Ltd., based in Gondar, has made a name for itself by focusing on innovation in lutein delivery. Since its founding in 2016, the company has invested heavily in research and development, creating unique lutein formulations that address common industry challenges—like poor solubility in water or low bioavailability. Their most successful product to date is a water-soluble lutein microemulsion, which can be easily added to clear beverages like sports drinks or herbal teas without causing cloudiness.

In addition to innovative formulations, Amhara BioNutrients produces standard bulk lutein products, including 20% lutein powder and lutein-zeaxanthin blends. They're certified ISO 9001 and have a dedicated R&D lab where they test new extraction techniques and formulations. What's particularly impressive is their focus on customer collaboration—they work closely with clients to develop custom solutions, whether it's a slow-release lutein for time-release supplements or a heat-stable lutein for baked goods. With a team of food scientists and chemists on staff, they're well-equipped to tackle even the most complex formulation challenges. While they're still relatively small, their innovative spirit has earned them a loyal following among food and beverage manufacturers looking to add lutein to their products.

Rounding out our list is Ethiopian Lutein Exports (ELE) Ltd., a company that lives up to its name by focusing solely on exporting Ethiopian lutein to international markets. Based in Addis Ababa, ELE works with a network of trusted manufacturers across the country to source high-quality lutein, then packages and ships it to clients worldwide. Their target markets include the U.S., Europe, and Asia, where demand for natural and organic ingredients is booming.

ELE specializes in premium, high-purity lutein products, including 90% lutein crystals for pharmaceutical use and 50% lutein esters for supplements. They also offer a range of organic options, certified by EU and USDA standards. What sets them apart is their expertise in international logistics—they handle all the paperwork, customs clearance, and shipping arrangements, ensuring that products reach clients on time and in compliance with import regulations. They also provide detailed dossiers for regulatory approval, making it easier for clients to register products in their home countries. With a focus on reliability and transparency, ELE has become a trusted partner for overseas buyers looking to tap into Ethiopia's lutein market without the hassle of navigating it directly.