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

Founded in 1995, Magyar Lutein Kft is one of Hungary's oldest and most respected lutein manufacturers. Based in Szeged, a city known for its agricultural innovation, the company started as a small family business and has grown into a global exporter, serving clients in over 30 countries. What sets Magyar Lutein apart? Their vertically integrated model: they own and operate their own marigold farms, ensuring full control over the supply chain from seed to extract.

Product-wise, they specialize in high-purity lutein powder (up to 98% concentration) and lutein-zeaxanthin blends, which are particularly popular for eye health supplements. They also offer organic options, certified by the EU Organic label, for brands targeting eco-conscious consumers. For businesses prioritizing traceability, Magyar Lutein provides batch-specific COA (Certificate of Analysis) and full transparency into their farming and extraction processes.

Why work with them? Their commitment to sustainability is hard to beat. The company uses solar energy to power 40% of its extraction facility and has a zero-waste policy, repurposing marigold plant waste as organic fertilizer. Clients often praise their reliability—they boast a 98% on-time delivery rate—and their R&D team, which regularly collaborates with Hungarian universities to improve extraction efficiency.

Nestled along the banks of the Danube River in Budapest, Danube BioExtracts has made a name for itself as a leader in "functional extracts"—and lutein is their star product. Founded in 2008, this mid-sized manufacturer focuses on blending traditional botanical knowledge with modern technology, resulting in lutein extracts that are both potent and versatile.

Unlike some suppliers that focus solely on marigold, Danube BioExtracts sources lutein from multiple plant sources, including marigold, spinach, and even algae, allowing them to cater to niche needs (like vegan-friendly or algae-based lutein). Their most popular product? A water-soluble lutein microencapsulate, designed for use in beverages and gummies—perfect for brands looking to create kid-friendly or on-the-go supplements. They also offer oil-soluble lutein for cosmetics, where it's prized for its antioxidant properties.

Certifications are a strong suit here: Danube BioExtracts holds GMP, ISO 22000 (food safety), and Kosher certifications, making them a favorite among pharmaceutical and food manufacturers. Their customer service is another highlight—they offer small-batch testing (starting at 1kg) for new businesses, alongside bulk orders (up to 500kg per month). For those curious about lutein for eyesight products, their technical team even provides formulation support, helping clients optimize lutein levels for maximum efficacy.

Budapest NutraIngredients is a wholesaler and trader with a twist: they don't just sell lutein—they curate a portfolio of premium nutraceutical ingredients, with lutein being their top-selling product. Established in 2012, this Budapest-based company acts as a bridge between Hungarian manufacturers and international buyers, simplifying the sourcing process for businesses outside Europe.

What makes them unique? Their ability to offer "tailored blends." Whether a client needs a 10:1 lutein-zeaxanthin ratio, organic lutein with added vitamins, or a bulk powder for industrial use, Budapest NutraIngredients works with a network of local manufacturers (including some on this list) to create custom formulations. They also specialize in small to medium orders, making them ideal for startups or businesses testing new products.

For buyers concerned about logistics, Budapest NutraIngredients handles all aspects of shipping, including customs clearance and documentation—critical for navigating EU export regulations. They also keep a small warehouse in Vienna, Austria, for faster delivery to Central and Western Europe. Clients often note their responsiveness; their sales team is fluent in English, German, and French, and prides itself on 24-hour turnaround for quotes.

Located in Pécs, in Hungary's southern Pannonian Basin, Pannonian Botanicals is a family-run manufacturer with a focus on "slow extraction." Founded by a team of botanists in 2010, the company believes that gentle, low-heat extraction methods preserve lutein's bioavailability—a claim backed by third-party testing showing their lutein is 15% more easily absorbed than standard extracts.

Their product line includes both lutein powder and liquid extracts, with the latter being a hit among cosmetic formulators (think serums and creams targeting under-eye circles). They also offer a "whole-plant" lutein extract, which includes other beneficial compounds from marigold petals, appealing to brands marketing "full-spectrum" supplements. Pannonian Botanicals is certified organic by both the EU and USDA, and their marigold farms are rain-fed, reducing water usage by 30% compared to conventional farms.

Small businesses love Pannonian Botanicals for their flexibility. They offer minimum orders as low as 500g, and their team is happy to provide samples for testing. Their transparency is also a plus: they regularly host farm tours for clients, letting them see firsthand how the marigolds are grown and processed. As one client put it: "Working with Pannonian feels like partnering with a neighbor, not a supplier."

EuroLutein Trading Co., based in Debrecen, is all about scale. Founded in 2005, this wholesaler specializes in bulk lutein sales, catering to large manufacturers in the food, pharmaceutical, and animal feed industries. If you've ever bought a budget-friendly multivitamin from a big-box store, there's a good chance the lutein inside came from EuroLutein.

Their claim to fame? Competitive pricing without compromising on quality. By purchasing directly from over 20 Hungarian marigold farms and operating their own state-of-the-art extraction facility, they cut out middlemen and pass the savings on to clients. Their standard lutein powder (80-90% concentration) is a staple, but they also offer lutein esters for clients needing a more stable form for long-shelf-life products.

Logistics are a strong suit here: EuroLutein has warehouses in Hungary, Germany, and Poland, allowing them to deliver bulk orders (1 ton or more) within 3-5 days across Europe. They also export globally, with regular shipments to the U.S., Asia, and the Middle East. While they're known for large orders, they do work with smaller businesses too—offering tiered pricing that rewards repeat customers.

GreenField Extracts, located in the agricultural heartland of Kecskemét, is a rising star in Hungary's lutein scene. Founded in 2015 by a team of ex-pharmaceutical researchers, the company focuses on "science-backed" extracts, with a particular emphasis on lutein for eyesight applications. Their R&D lab is certified by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and they regularly publish studies on lutein bioavailability.

Their flagship product is a micronized lutein powder, designed to dissolve quickly in the body—making it ideal for supplements marketed to older adults or those with digestive sensitivities. They also offer a lutein-zeaxanthin complex formulated to mimic the ratio found in the human eye (about 5:1), which studies suggest is optimal for supporting macular health. GreenField holds GMP and ISO 13485 certifications, making them a go-to for pharmaceutical-grade lutein.

What sets them apart? Their technical support. GreenField's team includes food scientists and pharmacists who can help clients with everything from stability testing to regulatory compliance (like EU Novel Food applications). For startups, they even offer "turnkey" solutions, helping develop entire supplement lines from concept to production. As one client noted: "GreenField doesn't just sell us lutein—they help us build better products."

Named after Hungary's iconic Lake Balaton, Balaton BioTech is a manufacturer with a focus on sustainability and innovation. Founded in 2010, they've made waves in the industry by pioneering "cold-press extraction" for lutein, a method that uses minimal heat to preserve the compound's integrity. The result? A lutein extract with higher antioxidant activity than traditional solvent-based methods.

Balaton BioTech's product range includes organic lutein powder, liquid extracts, and even lutein-infused probiotic blends (a niche but growing category for gut-eye health supplements). They also offer custom encapsulation services, turning lutein powder into easy-to-swallow softgels for brands without manufacturing capabilities. Their facility runs on 100% renewable energy, and they've partnered with local schools to teach sustainable farming practices—earning them Hungary's "Green Business of the Year" award in 2023.

For businesses targeting the premium market, Balaton BioTech's "Artisan Lutein" line is a standout. Made from hand-harvested marigold petals (a rarity in the industry), this ultra-pure lutein (99% concentration) is pricier but beloved by luxury supplement brands. As one client put it: "Artisan Lutein is like the 'craft beer' of the lutein world—you're paying for quality and story."

Hungarian Lutein Wholesalers (HLW) is a no-nonsense trader based in Szolnok, catering to businesses that need a reliable, no-frills source of lutein. Founded in 2003, HLW has built its reputation on three pillars: consistency, affordability, and speed. They work with a network of 15 local manufacturers to ensure a steady supply, even during peak demand seasons.

HLW's product lineup is straightforward: bulk lutein powder (standard and organic), lutein-zeaxanthin blends, and lutein esters. They don't offer custom formulations, but they make up for it with rock-bottom pricing and fast shipping—most EU orders arrive within 48 hours. For businesses on a tight budget, their "value grade" lutein (70-80% concentration) is a popular choice, ideal for animal feed or low-cost supplements.

What clients love most about HLW is their reliability. They maintain a large inventory (over 50 tons of lutein powder at any given time), so they rarely face stockouts. Their customer service is also praised for being "no-jargon"—their sales team speaks plain English and avoids technical jargon, making it easy for new buyers to navigate the ordering process. As one first-time client said: "HLW made sourcing lutein feel like ordering office supplies—simple and stress-free."

Alpe-Adria Extracts, located in Sopron near the Austrian border, is a cross-border collaboration between Hungarian and Austrian scientists. Founded in 2018, this young company brings a fresh perspective to lutein extraction, focusing on "pharma-grade" precision. Their facility is certified to EU GMP standards, and they specialize in lutein extracts for prescription eye supplements and clinical trials.

Their claim to fame is their ultra-high-purity lutein (99.5% concentration), which is used in pharmaceutical research and premium nutraceuticals. They also offer isotopically labeled lutein for lab studies—a niche product that has made them a favorite among universities and biotech firms. Alpe-Adria's extraction process uses supercritical CO2, a solvent-free method that results in zero chemical residues, appealing to clients with strict purity requirements.

While Alpe-Adria's prices are higher than some competitors, clients say the quality is worth it. Their technical team includes PhD-level scientists who provide detailed analytical reports with every order, and they offer ongoing support for regulatory filings (like FDA or EMA submissions). For businesses in the pharmaceutical or research space, Alpe-Adria is often the first choice.

Rounding out our list is Transylvanian Botanicals, a small-batch manufacturer based in Cluj-Napoca (in Romania, but with strong Hungarian ties and a major presence in Hungary's market). Founded in 2014 by a group of Romanian and Hungarian botanists, this company specializes in "heritage extracts," using traditional farming methods passed down for generations.

Their lutein is sourced from heirloom marigold varieties grown in the Transylvanian countryside, which they claim have higher lutein content than modern hybrids. They use water-based extraction (no chemicals) and sun-dry the petals, resulting in a lutein powder with a warm, golden hue and a subtle floral scent—popular for natural cosmetics and herbal teas. Transylvanian Botanicals is certified organic by Ecocert and offers a "trace your batch" program, where clients can view photos of the exact marigold field their lutein came from.

While they're smaller than some competitors (max monthly output is 500kg), Transylvanian Botanicals has built a loyal following among eco-luxury brands. Their focus on storytelling—each batch comes with a "heritage card" detailing the farm's history—resonates with consumers seeking products with a human touch. As one client put it: "Working with Transylvanian Botanicals isn't just about buying lutein—it's about supporting a way of life."