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

Founded in 2005 in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolian Lutein Extracts Co. (MLEC) has grown from a small family operation to Mongolia's leading lutein manufacturer. What sets MLEC apart is its vertically integrated supply chain: the company owns over 500 hectares of marigold farms in the Dornogovi Province, where flowers are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. This commitment to quality starts at the source, ensuring that every batch of lutein is as pure as the Mongolian air.

MLEC's product lineup is impressive, ranging from 5% purity lutein powder (ideal for budget-friendly supplements) to 90% pharmaceutical-grade crystals (used in prescription eye health formulas). Their most popular offering, however, is their lutein-zeaxanthin blend, which capitalizes on "lutein and zeaxanthin benefits" by combining the two carotenoids in a 5:1 ratio—mirroring the natural ratio found in the human eye. This blend has become a favorite among supplement brands targeting consumers concerned with digital eye strain and AMD prevention.

Certifications are a point of pride for MLEC. They hold ISO 9001 for quality management, GMP for manufacturing practices, and Organic Mongolia certification for their marigold farms. In 2023, they also obtained EU organic certification, opening doors to the European market. Their factory, located just outside Ulaanbaatar, features state-of-the-art CO2 extraction technology, which preserves the integrity of the lutein molecules better than traditional solvent-based methods.

Why they stand out: Vertical integration, organic sourcing, and a focus on "lutein for eyes" make MLEC a top choice for brands prioritizing transparency and efficacy.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Töv Province, Green Steppe Botanicals has built its reputation on supplying pharmaceutical-grade lutein to some of the world's largest supplement and drug companies. Established in 2010, the company specializes in high-purity lutein crystals and natural marigold extract, with a focus on consistency—their lutein batches have a purity variance of less than 2%, a level of precision that has earned them long-term contracts with clients in Germany, Japan, and the United States.

Unlike many suppliers that rely on imported marigold petals, Green Steppe partners with over 200 local farmers across Mongolia to source marigolds. This not only supports rural communities but also ensures that the flowers are harvested at peak ripeness (when lutein content is highest) and processed within 24 hours. The company's extraction facility uses a cold-press method followed by molecular distillation, resulting in lutein that is free from residual solvents and heavy metals.

For clients in the food and beverage industry, Green Steppe offers water-dispersible lutein powder, which can be easily mixed into juices, energy drinks, and even baked goods. Their Halal and Kosher certifications make them a go-to supplier for markets with strict dietary requirements, while their ISO 22000 certification speaks to their commitment to food safety. In 2022, they launched a new product line: lutein microencapsulated beads, designed to improve stability in supplements and extend shelf life by up to 36 months.

Why they stand out: Pharmaceutical-grade precision, local farmer partnerships, and innovative delivery formats (like microencapsulated beads) make Green Steppe a leader in high-end lutein supply.

As one of Mongolia's oldest nutraceutical traders, Ulaanbaatar Nutraceuticals Ltd. (UNL) has been connecting global buyers with Mongolian lutein since 1998. What started as a small import-export business has evolved into a full-service trader and exporter, representing over 15 local lutein manufacturers and acting as the exclusive distributor for several international brands in Mongolia. For businesses looking to source both local and imported lutein, UNL is a one-stop shop.

UNL's key strength lies in its logistics network. With offices in Ulaanbaatar, Beijing, and Moscow, the company can arrange shipping via rail, road, or air, ensuring that bulk orders reach clients in Europe, Asia, and North America within 7–14 days. Their product range includes standardized lutein supplements (from 10mg to 40mg capsules), bulk liquid lutein (used in cosmetics and functional foods), and custom blends with vitamins like vitamin A and zinc—ingredients known to enhance lutein's absorption.

Regulatory compliance is a priority for UNL. All their products come with a Certificate of Analysis (COA), and they are FDA-registered, EU compliant, and GMP certified. For clients in the Middle East, they also offer Halal-certified lutein options. In recent years, UNL has expanded into private labeling, helping small brands launch their own "best lutein supplement" lines with minimal upfront investment. Their team of food scientists can even assist with formula development, ensuring that the final product meets both regulatory standards and consumer expectations.

Why they stand out: Global reach, diverse product portfolio, and end-to-end support (from sourcing to private labeling) make UNL ideal for businesses of all sizes.

For brands that prioritize organic and non-GMO ingredients, Gobi Desert Herbs & Extracts is a name that needs no introduction. Founded in 2012 by a group of herbalists and environmentalists, this Gobi Desert-based manufacturer has made sustainability its mission. Their 300-hectare organic farm uses rainwater harvesting and crop rotation to minimize environmental impact, and their extraction facility runs on solar power—making them one of Mongolia's first carbon-neutral lutein producers.

Gobi Desert Herbs' flagship product is their organic lutein powder, which is certified by both USDA Organic and the Non-GMO Project. Sourced from marigolds grown in the mineral-rich soil of the Gobi, this powder has a naturally high lutein content (up to 12mg per gram of dried flower), reducing the need for heavy processing. For clients in the beauty industry, they also offer lutein-infused serums and creams, leveraging "lutein for eyes" benefits in topical form—lutein's antioxidant properties help protect skin from UV damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

What truly sets Gobi Desert Herbs apart is their commitment to education. The company regularly hosts workshops for local farmers on organic farming practices and publishes a free guide for consumers titled "The Truth About Lutein: How to Choose the Best Supplement for Your Eyes." This dedication to transparency has earned them a loyal following among eco-conscious brands, including several major natural beauty lines in Canada and Australia. In 2023, they launched a subscription service for bulk buyers, offering 10% discounts on recurring orders and free samples of new products (like their upcoming lutein-chlorella blend).

Why they stand out: Carbon-neutral operations, organic certifications, and a focus on consumer education make Gobi Desert Herbs a leader in sustainable lutein supply.

Situated at the foot of the majestic Altai Mountains, Altai Mountain Botanicals has carved a niche as Mongolia's premier wholesaler of industrial-grade lutein. While other suppliers focus on high-purity extracts, Altai caters to industries where cost and volume matter most: animal feed, poultry farming (lutein enhances egg yolk color), and industrial colorants. Their lutein powder, with a purity of 5–10%, is priced up to 30% lower than pharmaceutical-grade options, making it a favorite among large-scale manufacturers.

Altai's secret to affordability is its use of byproducts from the marigold oil industry. Instead of discarding marigold petals after oil extraction, the company purchases them at a fraction of the cost and extracts lutein using a solvent-free, mechanical pressing method. This "upcycling" process not only reduces waste but also lowers production costs, savings that are passed on to clients. The company's ISO 14001 certification (for environmental management) reflects their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint through such innovative practices.

Despite focusing on industrial markets, Altai doesn't compromise on quality. Their lutein is tested for heavy metals and microbial contamination, and they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee—if a batch doesn't meet specifications, they'll ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ it at no cost. For clients in the supplement industry, they also offer a mid-range option: 20–30% purity lutein powder, which balances cost and efficacy for budget-friendly "best lutein supplement" lines. With a production capacity of 500 metric tons per year, Altai is one of Mongolia's largest lutein wholesalers, with clients as far away as Brazil and South Africa.

Why they stand out: Industrial-grade affordability, byproduct upcycling, and large-scale production capacity make Altai ideal for cost-sensitive, high-volume buyers.

Orkhon Valley Extracts is a relative newcomer to Mongolia's lutein scene, but since its founding in 2015, it has quickly gained a reputation for innovation. Located in the fertile Orkhon Valley (a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its biodiversity), the company specializes in high-purity lutein (95%+ purity) and water-soluble lutein—two products that were previously only available from suppliers in China and India. Today, Orkhon exports its ultra-pure lutein to research labs and pharmaceutical companies in Switzerland, the UK, and the US.

The company's R&D team, led by Dr. Bat-Erdene, a biochemist with a PhD from Tsinghua University, has developed a proprietary extraction method using supercritical CO2. This technology allows for precise control over temperature and pressure, resulting in lutein that is not only highly pure but also has a longer shelf life (up to 48 months when stored properly). Their water-soluble lutein powder, which dissolves completely in cold water, has been a game-changer for the beverage industry, enabling the creation of clear lutein-infused drinks (like vitamin water and sports drinks) that were previously cloudy with traditional oil-based lutein.

Orkhon Valley Extracts is also committed to giving back to the community. They fund a scholarship program for local students studying biotechnology and partner with the Orkhon Valley Protection Fund to plant 10 trees for every metric ton of lutein sold. Their ISO 9001 and GMP certifications, combined with their FSSAI approval (for the Indian market), have helped them secure contracts with major pharmaceutical companies developing lutein-based drugs for eye diseases. In 2024, they plan to launch a new product: lutein nanoparticles, designed to improve bioavailability in supplements by up to 50%.

Why they stand out: Cutting-edge R&D (including supercritical CO2 extraction and water-soluble formulations) and a focus on scientific innovation make Orkhon Valley a leader in high-purity lutein.

Named after Mongolia's longest river, Selenge River Trading Co. has been a bridge between global lutein markets and Mongolia since 2003. As a trader, they don't manufacture their own lutein but instead curate a portfolio of products from the best local and international suppliers. For businesses unsure whether to source local Mongolian lutein or imported options (like Chinese or Indian lutein), Selenge River offers unbiased consultations to help clients choose based on cost, quality, and regulatory needs.

One of Selenge River's unique offerings is their "comparison sampling" service: they'll send clients samples of lutein from 3–5 different suppliers (local and international) with detailed COAs, allowing buyers to test and compare before committing to a large order. This service has made them popular with startups and small businesses that don't have the resources to conduct extensive supplier audits. Their product range includes everything from crude lutein extract (for further processing) to finished softgel capsules, and they can even arrange for custom formulations (like lutein with omega-3s or bilberry extract).

For international buyers, Selenge River handles all the logistics, including customs clearance, documentation, and quality inspections. They have a network of third-party labs in Ulaanbaatar, Beijing, and Frankfurt that test every batch for purity, potency, and contaminants, ensuring that clients receive exactly what they ordered. Their transparent pricing—with no hidden fees—has earned them a 95% client retention rate, and their multilingual staff (fluent in Mongolian, English, Mandarin, and Russian) makes communication seamless for global partners.

Why they stand out: Unbiased supplier curation, comparison sampling, and end-to-end logistics support make Selenge River ideal for first-time lutein buyers and international businesses.

In the forested Khentii Province, where traditional Mongolian medicine has been practiced for centuries, Khentii Herbal Solutions is blending ancient wisdom with modern science. This family-owned supplier specializes in herbal lutein complexes, combining lutein with other Mongolian botanicals like sea buckthorn, rhubarb root, and milk thistle (a nod to the "lutein benefits" beyond eye health, such as antioxidant support). Their products are particularly popular in the cosmetics industry, where natural, multi-ingredient extracts are in high demand.

Khentii's flagship product is their "Mongolian Eye Blend," a powder containing lutein, zeaxanthin, sea buckthorn oil, and goji berry extract. Marketed as a holistic eye health supplement, this blend has been featured in several Korean and Japanese beauty magazines, thanks to its dual benefits: supporting eye health internally and promoting skin radiance externally. For cosmetic manufacturers, Khentii offers lutein-infused serums and creams, which are cruelty-free and certified by the Leaping Bunny Program.

What makes Khentii unique is its commitment to traditional harvesting methods. Many of the botanicals used in their blends are wild-harvested by local herders, who follow sustainable practices (like only picking 30% of a plant population to ensure regrowth). The company's Organic Mongolia certification covers both their marigold farms and wild-harvested ingredients, and they publish an annual sustainability report detailing their environmental and social impact. In 2023, they launched a direct-to-consumer line of lutein supplements, allowing health-conscious consumers to experience their blends without going through a middleman.

Why they stand out: Herbal lutein complexes, traditional Mongolian botanical blends, and wild-harvested ingredients make Khentii a favorite for natural cosmetics and holistic supplements.

Located on the shores of Tuul Lake (a freshwater lake known for its crystal-clear waters), Tuul Lake Bioactives is Mongolia's leading supplier of lutein granules and microencapsulated powder. These specialized forms of lutein are designed to improve stability in supplements, prevent oxidation, and enhance absorption in the body—making them a hit with supplement brands looking to differentiate their products. Since 2010, the company has invested over $5 million in encapsulation technology, and today, they hold three patents related to lutein delivery systems.

Tuul Lake's microencapsulated lutein uses a plant-based coating (derived from tapioca starch), making it suitable for vegan and vegetarian supplements. The microcapsules protect lutein from heat, light, and moisture, ensuring that supplements retain their potency even in harsh storage conditions. For clients in the pet food industry, they offer lutein granules, which can be easily mixed into kibble and have a longer shelf life than powder. Their bulk microencapsulated powder is also popular in the sports nutrition sector, where it's added to protein powders and pre-workout supplements to support eye health during intense training.

Quality control is paramount at Tuul Lake. Their lab is equipped with HPLC and FTIR spectrometers, allowing them to test for lutein content and purity in-house, and they participate in annual proficiency testing programs with the AOAC International. Their HACCP certification ensures that their manufacturing process is free from contamination risks, and their fast delivery guarantee (orders shipped within 48 hours of payment) has made them a favorite among clients with tight production deadlines. In 2024, they plan to expand their encapsulation line to include lutein with vitamin D3 and omega-3 combinations.

Why they stand out: Patented delivery systems (microencapsulated powder, granules), vegan-friendly coatings, and fast shipping make Tuul Lake a leader in specialized lutein formats.

Rounding out our list is Hangai Mountain Naturals, a supplier focused on the raw materials that make lutein production possible: raw marigold flowers and crude lutein extract. For manufacturers that prefer to extract lutein in-house, Hangai offers the highest-quality starting materials, sourced from small-scale farms in the Hangai Mountains (an area known for its long growing season and nutrient-rich soil, which boosts marigold lutein content by up to 15% compared to other regions).

Hangai's raw marigold flowers are available in both fresh and dried forms, with a lutein content of 1.2–1.8% (dried weight). For clients that want to skip the initial extraction step, they also offer crude lutein extract (10–15% purity), which can be further refined into higher-purity products. What sets Hangai apart is their commitment to fair trade: they pay farmers 20% above market rates and provide free seeds and training on organic farming practices. This has helped them build a loyal network of over 300 farmers, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality marigolds year-round.

In addition to marigold products, Hangai also supplies other botanical raw materials, such as chamomile and lavender, making them a convenient supplier for businesses that need multiple herbal ingredients. Their Sustainable Agriculture Network certification recognizes their efforts to promote biodiversity on farms (many of their partner farms grow marigolds alongside other crops, reducing pest pressure naturally). For international buyers, Hangai offers flexible packaging options, from 1kg bags to 50kg drums, and can arrange for pre-shipment inspections by SGS or Intertek.

Why they stand out: High-quality raw marigolds, fair trade practices, and a steady supply chain make Hangai ideal for manufacturers that extract lutein in-house.