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

Founded in 1998, Lutein Portugal Ltd. is often called the "grandfather" of lutein production in the country. What started as a small family business in Braga has grown into a leading manufacturer and wholesaler, supplying over 30 countries worldwide. Their secret? A focus on vertical integration—from cultivating marigold fields in the Alentejo region (one of sources of lutein known for high carotenoid content) to in-house extraction and purification.

Their product lineup is impressive: bulk lutein powder (5%-90% purity), lutein-zeaxanthin blends (mimicking the natural ratio found in the eye for enhanced efficacy), and microencapsulated powder designed for better absorption in supplements. For businesses prioritizing quality, their GMP-certified facility ensures every batch is tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination.

What sets them apart? Their commitment to innovation. In 2020, they launched a water-soluble lutein extract, a game-changer for beverage brands looking to add eye health benefits to juices and energy drinks without affecting taste or texture. Clients rave about their reliable delivery times—even during peak seasons—and their ability to handle large orders (up to 500kg per month) with consistent quality.

Tucked away in the lush valleys of Sintra, GreenVision Ingredients has built a name for itself by focusing on natural, plant-derived lutein. Since 2005, they've specialized in extracting lutein from marigold petals sourced from sustainable farms in Portugal and Spain, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Their tagline—"From Petal to Product"—reflects their hands-on approach to sourcing.

Their star product? A cold-pressed lutein oil suspension (20% concentration) that's become a favorite among cosmetics companies for anti-aging serums and eye creams. Unlike synthetic alternatives, their natural lutein retains more antioxidants, making it a hit with brands marketing "clean beauty" lines. They also offer microencapsulated powder for supplements, which masks the slight bitter taste of raw lutein—perfect for gummy vitamins and chewable tablets.

Certifications matter here: GreenVision holds ISO 22000 (food safety) and Kosher/Halal certifications, opening doors to global markets like the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Their small but dedicated R&D team also works with clients on custom formulations, recently partnering with a Portuguese energy drink brand to develop a "vision-support" beverage using their water-soluble lutein extract.

Not every business needs to produce lutein from scratch, and Mediterranean Extracts Co. fills that niche perfectly. As a trader and supplier, they source high-quality lutein from trusted manufacturers across Europe, Asia, and South America, then distribute it to Portuguese and EU-based clients. Founded in 2012, they've built a reputation for flexibility—whether you need 1kg for a startup's first supplement run or 100kg for a large-scale production.

Their strength lies in variety. They offer everything from synthetic lutein (cost-effective for budget-friendly supplements) to organic, non-GMO options for premium brands. For researchers and small labs, they even provide small-batch samples (as low as 100g) with detailed COAs (Certificates of Analysis). Clients appreciate their transparency: they share full sourcing details, including farm audits and extraction methods, so you know exactly what's in your ingredient.

One unique service? Custom blending. If you're developing a multivitamin and need a precise ratio of lutein and zeaxanthin with added vitamins, their in-house lab can mix and test the formula before full production. It's this attention to detail that has made them a go-to for startups and niche brands looking to stand out in a crowded market.

For businesses that want to skip the hassle of sourcing multiple ingredients, BioNutra Lisbon is a dream come true. As a wholesaler and distributor, they stock not just lutein, but a full range of supplement raw materials—from vitamins and minerals to herbal extracts. Founded in 2010, they've become a hub for small to medium-sized supplement brands in Portugal and Spain.

Their lutein offerings are straightforward but reliable: bulk powder (50% and 90% purity), pre-mixed "eye health" blends (lutein + zeaxanthin + vitamin A), and even private-label supplement capsules. For brands new to the industry, they offer guidance on dosage, packaging, and regulatory compliance (like EU's EFSA claims for lutein). Their GMP-certified warehouse ensures products are stored properly, maintaining potency from shelf to shipment.

What clients love most is their quick turnaround. Order by noon, and for Lisbon-based businesses, you'll have your lutein by the next day. They also offer competitive pricing for repeat orders, with discounts starting at 5% for clients who order monthly. It's no wonder they've become a staple for local health food stores and online supplement retailers.

The Algarve region is known for its sunny climate and organic farms, and Algarve Plant Extracts leverages that to the fullest. Specializing in organic lutein, this family-run manufacturer has been growing and extracting marigold petals since 2008, using traditional methods combined with modern technology. Their farm-to-factory model means they control every step, from planting non-GMO marigold seeds to bottling the final extract.

Their flagship product is an organic lutein powder (85% purity) certified by EU Organic and Ecocert, making it a top choice for brands targeting eco-conscious consumers. They also produce a unique lutein-astaxanthin blend, capitalizing on the trend of "synergistic antioxidants" for skincare and supplements. For food brands, their organic lutein is heat-stable, making it suitable for baking mixes and cereals—something many competitors' organic extracts can't claim.

Sustainability is at their core. They use solar power for their extraction facility, rainwater harvesting for irrigation, and even compost marigold waste to fertilize their fields. It's this commitment to the planet that has earned them partnerships with international organic cosmetic brands and fair-trade supplement companies.

When it comes to pharmaceutical-grade lutein, Porto Pharma Ingredients is the name to trust. Founded in 2001 as a division of a larger pharmaceutical company, they specialize in ultra-high-purity lutein (98%+) used in prescription eye drops and clinical trials. Their facility in Porto is GMP-certified and undergoes annual FDA inspections, ensuring compliance with the strictest global standards.

Their product range is narrow but deep: pharmaceutical-grade powder, sterile solutions for injectables, and research-grade samples for universities and biotech firms. They also offer custom particle sizes, which is critical for drug formulations where absorption rates can make or break efficacy. While their prices are higher than standard suppliers, clients say the quality is worth it—particularly for products that require regulatory approval.

What sets them apart is their technical support. Their team of chemists works directly with clients to troubleshoot formulations, recently helping a German pharmaceutical company optimize a lutein-based drug for AMD treatment. For businesses in the pharma space, Porto Pharma isn't just a supplier—they're a partner in innovation.

Portugal's lutein might be produced locally, but its reach is global—thanks to traders like LusoNatural Trading. Founded in 2015, this Lisbon-based company focuses on exporting Portuguese-made lutein to markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, where demand for high-quality supplements is booming. They work with a network of 5+ local manufacturers, curating the best products for each market.

Their sweet spot? Bulk orders (1 ton+), which they negotiate at competitive prices due to their large buying power. They also handle all logistics, from customs clearance to shipping, making it easy for international clients to source from Portugal without navigating EU regulations alone. For example, they recently secured a contract to supply a Moroccan supplement brand with 500kg of lutein-zeaxanthin blend, handling everything from COA translation to Halal certification.

While they don't produce their own lutein, their strict vendor vetting process ensures quality. They conduct annual audits of partner factories and test every batch before shipping. For businesses outside the EU looking to tap into Portugal's reputation for quality, LusoNatural is the bridge that makes it possible.

Not every business has the budget for premium organic lutein, and Coimbra Nutraceuticals caters to that need with affordable, reliable bulk options. Founded in 2008, this wholesaler sources standard-grade lutein (50%-80% purity) from trusted EU manufacturers, then passes the savings on to clients through low overhead costs and efficient operations.

Their main product is generic lutein powder, which is popular with local supplement brands, small-scale food processors, and even animal nutrition companies (lutein is used in poultry feed to enhance egg yolk color). They also offer basic blends, like lutein with vitamin E, for clients who want a simple, cost-effective formula. While they don't offer custom formulations or fancy certifications, they make up for it with consistent quality and fast delivery—most orders within Portugal arrive within 48 hours.

What clients love most is their transparency about pricing. They list bulk rates on their website (no need to request quotes), and there are no hidden fees for small orders. For startups or businesses just starting to experiment with lutein, Coimbra Nutraceuticals is a low-risk, high-value choice.

The Azores, with their lush landscapes and commitment to eco-friendly practices, are the perfect home for Azores BioExtracts. This manufacturer, founded in 2010, specializes in sustainable lutein production, from using organic marigold seeds to powering their facility with wind and hydro energy. Their mission? Prove that high-quality ingredients and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Their signature product is a "zero-waste" lutein extract: after extracting lutein from marigold petals, they repurpose the leftover plant material into natural fertilizers, sold to local farms. This closed-loop system has earned them Fair Trade certification and a loyal following among eco-conscious brands. Their lutein powder (60% purity) is EU Organic certified and has a slightly higher antioxidant count than standard organic extracts, thanks to their gentle extraction process (using cold ethanol instead of harsh solvents).

They also stand out for their packaging: all products come in compostable bags or recyclable metal tins, aligning with the zero-waste goals of many modern brands. While their prices are on the higher side, clients say the sustainability story is worth the premium—particularly for marketing to millennial and Gen Z consumers who prioritize environmental impact.

Rounding out our list is Lisbon Ingredient Hub, a trader and distributor that prides itself on technical expertise. Founded by a team of food scientists in 2018, they don't just sell lutein—they help clients understand how to use it effectively. Whether you're developing a supplement, a functional food, or a cosmetic, their team can advise on dosage, stability, and formulation challenges.

Their product range is diverse, with lutein sourced from 10+ global suppliers, including hard-to-find options like microencapsulated lutein for gummies and oil-based extracts for lip balms. They're particularly known for their lutein and zeaxanthin blends, which they formulate to mimic the 5:1 ratio found in the human eye for optimal bioavailability. For clients new to lutein, they offer free sample kits (50g each) so you can test different purities and forms before committing.

What truly sets them apart is their educational resources. They publish a monthly blog with tips on lutein formulation, host webinars on regulatory compliance, and even offer on-site consultations for large projects. For businesses that value technical support as much as the ingredient itself, Lisbon Ingredient Hub is an invaluable partner.