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

Founded in 2010, Laos Natural Extracts Co., Ltd. (LNE) is widely regarded as the country's leading lutein manufacturer, and for good reason. What started as a small operation in Vientiane has grown into a vertically integrated powerhouse, with its own marigold farms in the fertile plains of Champasak province and a cutting-edge extraction facility on the outskirts of the capital. LNE's claim to fame? Their ability to produce high-quality lutein powder with minimal environmental impact—they use solar-powered drying for marigold flowers and recycle water in their extraction process, earning them a reputation as one of Laos' most sustainable suppliers.

Their product lineup includes standard lutein powder (5-20% purity), lutein-zeaxanthin blends (mimicking the natural ratio found in the macula for optimal eye health), and even water-soluble lutein for use in beverages and clear supplements. For brands focused on clean labels, LNE offers organic-certified options, sourced from marigold fields free of synthetic pesticides. "We believe in transparency," says Mr. Phongsavanh, LNE's export manager. "Every batch comes with a detailed COA [Certificate of Analysis], and we're happy to arrange factory tours for clients—we have nothing to hide."

Certifications: GMP, ISO 9001, Organic (EU and USDA), Halal. Target markets include supplement brands in Europe, functional food manufacturers in the US, and cosmetic companies in Southeast Asia. Minimum order quantities start at 10kg for bulk powder, with discounts for large orders.

If you're looking for a wholesaler with deep roots in local trade, Mekong Herbal Traders is your go-to. Established in 2005 by a team of herbal extract specialists, this family-owned business has built its reputation on reliability and flexibility. Unlike manufacturers that focus solely on production, Mekong acts as a bridge between small-scale Laotian farmers and international buyers, aggregating lutein extract from partner farms across the country and ensuring consistent quality through rigorous testing at their in-house lab.

"Many of our partner farmers are in remote areas, like the Bolaven Plateau," explains Ms. Keo, Mekong's procurement director. "These farmers grow marigolds using traditional methods, and we work with them to improve yields without compromising on quality. It's a win-win: they get fair prices, and our clients get pure, locally sourced lutein." Mekong's main offerings include bulk lutein extract (10-15% purity) and marigold oleoresin, a thick liquid used in food coloring and animal feed supplements. They also stock lutein-zeaxanthin blends, a popular choice for eye health supplements due to the synergistic benefits of these two carotenoids.

Certifications: ISO 22000 (food safety), Halal. While Mekong primarily serves local businesses and neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam, they've recently expanded to export to Malaysia and Singapore. Their focus on affordability makes them a favorite among startups and small supplement brands looking to test the market without committing to large orders.

For pharmaceutical-grade lutein, Green Lutein Industries is the name to know. Founded in 2015 by a team of chemists with experience in European extract production, this Vientiane-based manufacturer specializes in high-purity lutein crystals (up to 98% purity) and custom formulations for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Their facility, which opened in 2017, is equipped with supercritical CO2 extraction technology—considered the gold standard for preserving heat-sensitive compounds like lutein.

"Most lutein on the market is extracted using solvents, which can leave trace residues," says Dr. Seng, Green Lutein's R&D head. "Our CO2 method uses only carbon dioxide, so the final product is cleaner, more stable, and better suited for pharmaceutical applications." In addition to pure lutein crystals, they offer water-soluble lutein (a game-changer for clear liquids like eye drops) and microencapsulated lutein for extended shelf life. Their strict quality control process includes testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination, ensuring compliance with even the strictest international standards.

Certifications: GMP (pharmaceutical grade), ISO 13485, Kosher. Green Lutein primarily works with large pharmaceutical companies and premium supplement brands, with clients in Japan, South Korea, and Europe. Minimum orders are higher (50kg for bulk crystals), but their technical support team is known for collaborating with clients on product development—whether it's adjusting particle size for better dissolution or creating a unique blend with other antioxidants.

Nestled in the UNESCO-listed city of Luang Prabang, this supplier marries tradition with modern science. Luang Prabang Herbal Extracts (LPHE) was founded in 2012 by a group of traditional healers who wanted to bring Laos' herbal wisdom to the global market. Today, they specialize in organic lutein, sourced from marigold farms in the surrounding mountains that have been certified organic by both EU and USDA standards.

"Our marigolds are grown using only natural fertilizers, like compost from local rice farms," explains Ms. Vong, LPHE's founder. "We also avoid mechanical harvesting—farmers pick the flowers by hand to ensure only the freshest blooms are used." The result is a lutein powder with a vibrant orange hue and a naturally high zeaxanthin content (around 10-15% of total carotenoids), making it ideal for brands marketing "nature-identical" supplements. LPHE also caters to the cosmetic industry, offering lutein-rich extracts for anti-aging serums and eye creams, thanks to lutein's ability to neutralize free radicals and protect skin from UV damage.

Certifications: USDA Organic, Ecocert, GMP. Clients include natural skincare brands in France, organic supplement companies in the US, and even luxury spas in Thailand. LPHE prides itself on storytelling—each product comes with a "farm-to-bottle" narrative, appealing to consumers who care about provenance and sustainability.

For small businesses and local buyers, Vientiane Wholesale Extracts (VWE) is a lifeline. Established in 2008 as a general herbal extract wholesaler, VWE has carved out a niche in the lutein market by focusing on accessibility. Located in Vientiane's bustling Dongdok Market area, their warehouse stocks a variety of lutein products, from bulk powder (5-10% purity) to pre-packaged lutein-zeaxanthin capsules, making them a one-stop shop for everything from raw materials to finished goods.

"We know many local supplement brands and pharmacies don't have the budget for large orders," says Mr. Souk, VWE's owner. "That's why we offer MOQs as low as 1kg for powder and 500 capsules for finished products. We also provide labeling services for small runs—perfect for startups." VWE sources its lutein from a network of manufacturers across Laos, including some of the larger names on this list, and passes on bulk discounts to its customers. Their product range includes both standard and organic options, with prices that are often 10-15% lower than retail.

Certifications: ISO 9001 (quality management). While VWE primarily serves the local market, they occasionally fulfill small export orders to neighboring countries. Their friendly staff and multilingual support (Lao, Thai, and basic English) make them a popular choice for international buyers visiting Laos to source ingredients.

Phongsaly Agricultural Co-op is proof that great things come from community effort. Founded in 2015 by 30 small-scale farmers in the mountainous Phongsaly province (known for its cool climate and fertile soil), this co-op has grown to over 150 members, all dedicated to organic marigold farming. What started as a way to boost local income has evolved into a respected supplier of organic lutein, with a focus on fair trade and social responsibility.

"Every member farmer owns a small plot—usually 1-2 hectares—where they grow marigolds alongside rice and vegetables," explains Mr. Bounmy, the co-op's president. "We provide training on organic farming practices and guarantee a minimum price for their flowers, which is 20% higher than conventional rates. This not only improves their livelihoods but also ensures we get the best quality blooms." The co-op operates a small but efficient extraction facility in Phongsaly town, producing lutein powder (8-15% purity) using ethanol extraction—a method that's gentler on the environment than solvent-based processes.

Certifications: Organic (EU, USDA), Fair Trade. Phongsaly Co-op's lutein is popular with ethical brands and sustainable supplement companies, particularly in Europe and North America. While their production capacity is smaller than larger manufacturers (around 500kg per year), their commitment to transparency and social impact has earned them a loyal following. They also offer farm visits for clients interested in seeing their supply chain firsthand.

When it comes to pharmaceutical-grade precision, Laos Pharma Extracts (LPE) leads the pack. Established in 2012 as a joint venture between Laotian investors and a European pharmaceutical company, LPE was built from the ground up to meet the strictest regulatory standards. Their facility in Thakhek, Khammouane province, is WHO GMP-certified, meaning it adheres to the same quality guidelines as major drug manufacturers.

"Our focus is on consistency," says Dr. Lee, LPE's quality assurance manager. "In pharmaceuticals, even a 0.1% variation in purity can matter. That's why we use automated extraction equipment and conduct over 20 tests per batch, from raw material intake to final packaging." LPE's core product is pharmaceutical-grade lutein (15-30% purity), used in prescription eye supplements and clinical trials. They also produce finished capsules for private-label clients, complete with blister packaging and batch serialization for traceability.

Certifications: WHO GMP, ISO 13485, EU GMP. LPE's clients include pharmaceutical companies in Japan, Germany, and Australia, as well as contract research organizations conducting studies on lutein's role in eye disease. Their minimum order quantities are high (100kg for bulk powder), but their reliability and compliance make them a trusted partner for high-stakes applications.

Champasak Trading & Export may not produce its own lutein, but it plays a crucial role in connecting Laotian manufacturers to the global market. Founded in 2014, this trading company specializes in exporting raw lutein extract and marigold flower powder to manufacturers in China, India, and the Middle East. What sets them apart? Their deep understanding of international trade regulations and their ability to handle logistics, from customs clearance to shipping, with minimal hassle for clients.

"Many small Laotian manufacturers don't have the resources to export directly," says Mr. Phomma, Champasak's export coordinator. "We act as their export department, handling documentation, quality checks, and shipping. This allows them to focus on production while we expand their reach." Champasak works with over 10 local producers, vetting each one for quality and consistency before adding them to their network. Their product range includes raw lutein extract (5-20% purity), marigold oleoresin, and dried marigold petals (used in herbal teas and animal feed).

Certifications: ISO 22000 (food safety), Halal. Champasak's main clients are large manufacturers in China and India that use Laotian lutein as a cost-effective raw material for their own supplements and food products. They also occasionally export to the Middle East, where Halal certification is a priority. For international buyers looking to source directly from Laos without navigating the local market, Champasak offers a convenient, reliable solution.

Savannakhet Herbal Solutions (SHS) is all about versatility. This mid-sized manufacturer, located in Savannakhet province (Laos' agricultural heartland), produces a range of lutein products tailored to different industries, from food and beverage to cosmetics. What makes them unique is their ability to create custom formulations, whether it's a water-soluble lutein for energy drinks or a lutein-infused oil for skincare serums.

"We started with standard lutein powder, but we quickly realized clients wanted more," says Ms. Khamla, SHS's product development manager. "A beverage company might need lutein that dissolves clear, while a cosmetic brand wants a stable oil-based extract. We invested in R&D to meet these needs, and now we offer over 10 different lutein formulations." SHS sources marigolds from local farms in Savannakhet and uses a combination of solvent and cold-press extraction methods, depending on the product. Their facility includes a pilot plant for testing new formulations, making them a favorite among brands looking to innovate.

Certifications: GMP, Halal, ISO 9001. SHS serves a mix of local and regional clients, including beverage manufacturers in Thailand, cosmetic brands in Vietnam, and supplement companies in Laos. Their minimum order quantities are flexible (10kg for standard powder, 25kg for custom formulations), and they offer technical support to help clients integrate lutein into their products seamlessly.

Rounding out our list is Xieng Khouang Lutein Suppliers (XKS), a small but reliable supplier based in the mountainous Xieng Khouang province. Founded in 2016, XKS focuses on serving regional traders and small manufacturers, offering affordable lutein powder and basic formulations. While they may not have the certifications or production capacity of larger players, their commitment to customer service and quick delivery has earned them a loyal local following.

"We know our clients by name," says Mr. Vang, XKS's owner. "Many are small supplement shops or herbalists who need lutein powder for their own blends. We keep stock on hand so they can pick up orders the same day, and we offer credit for regular customers—something bigger companies don't do." XKS sources its lutein from a single manufacturer in Vientiane, ensuring consistency, and sells it in small to medium quantities (1-50kg). They also offer basic testing services, like purity checks, for an additional fee.

Certifications: ISO 9001 (through their supplier). XKS primarily serves clients in Xieng Khouang and neighboring provinces, but they also ship to Vientiane and Luang Prabang via local transport. For small businesses in rural areas, XKS is a valuable resource, providing access to quality lutein without the need to travel to larger cities.