Introduction: The Growing Demand for Lutein in Romania
In recent years, the global focus on eye health and natural supplements has put lutein in the spotlight—and Romania is no exception. As a key carotenoid found in plants, lutein is celebrated for its role in supporting eye function, particularly in protecting against age-related macular degeneration and reducing eye strain from digital screens. When paired with its cousin zeaxanthin, these two compounds form a powerful duo, often referred to in the industry for their "lutein and zeaxanthin benefits" in maintaining healthy vision.
For businesses in Romania—whether you're a supplement brand, a cosmetic manufacturer, or a food and beverage company—finding a reliable lutein supplier is critical. The right partner can ensure consistent quality, competitive pricing, and compliance with local and EU regulations. But with so many options, how do you narrow down the best? This article breaks down the top 10 lutein suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Romania, highlighting their specialties, product ranges, and what makes them stand out in a crowded market.
From small-scale wholesalers to large pharmaceutical-grade manufacturers, we've curated a list that caters to diverse needs. Whether you're looking for bulk quantities, organic-certified extracts, or specialized blends, there's a supplier here to match your goals. Let's dive in.
1. Romanian Lutein Extracts SRL
Background: Founded in 2010, Romanian Lutein Extracts SRL has grown from a small family operation to one of Romania's leading lutein manufacturers. Based in Cluj-Napoca, they specialize in extracting lutein from marigold petals—a natural and abundant "source of lutein"—and have built a reputation for prioritizing organic and sustainable practices.
Product Range: Their core offerings include 5%-90% purity lutein powder, oil-based lutein suspensions, and lutein-zeaxanthin blends (with ratios tailored to customer needs). They also produce microencapsulated lutein for better stability in supplements and functional foods.
Certifications: Organic EU certification, ISO 22000 (food safety), and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) ensure their products meet strict quality standards. They're also Kosher and Halal certified, making them a versatile choice for diverse markets.
Customer Focus: Romanian Lutein Extracts caters to both small businesses and large corporations, with minimum order quantities starting at 1kg for small batches and bulk discounts for orders over 500kg. Their in-house lab provides batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (CoA), giving clients peace of mind about potency and purity.
Unique Selling Point: Their commitment to sustainability sets them apart. They source marigold petals from local Romanian farmers, reducing carbon footprint, and their extraction process uses 30% less water than industry averages. For brands prioritizing eco-friendly sourcing, this is a major plus.
2. Balkan Bulk Nutraceuticals
Background: As the name suggests, Balkan Bulk Nutraceuticals focuses on large-scale distribution, serving Romania and neighboring EU countries. With a warehouse in Bucharest and a production facility in Sofia (Bulgaria), they leverage cross-border logistics to offer competitive pricing and fast delivery.
Product Range: Their lutein portfolio includes standard marigold-derived lutein (10%-80% purity), as well as synthetic lutein for cost-sensitive applications. They also stock zeaxanthin powder and pre-mixed "best lutein zeaxanthin supplement" bases, popular among supplement brands looking to create ready-to-market eye health products.
Certifications: ISO 9001 (quality management) and HACCP (hazard analysis) certified, Balkan Bulk Nutraceuticals ensures compliance with EU food and supplement regulations. They regularly audit their suppliers to maintain traceability from farm to finished product.
Customer Focus: This wholesaler thrives on serving high-volume buyers, with minimum orders of 100kg. They offer flexible payment terms and dedicated account managers for long-term clients. Their EU-based logistics network means most orders within Romania are delivered within 48 hours, a key advantage for businesses with tight production schedules.
Unique Selling Point: Their ability to source globally and distribute locally makes them a go-to for businesses seeking variety. In addition to standard lutein, they offer rare variants like esterified lutein (for better bioavailability) and algae-derived lutein for vegan formulations—hard to find elsewhere in Romania.
3. Transylvanian Herbal Traders
Background: Transylvanian Herbal Traders, based in Brasov, takes a traditional approach to herbal extracts. Founded by herbalists with decades of experience, they combine age-old extraction methods with modern quality control to produce lutein and other botanical extracts.
Product Range: While they offer standard lutein powder, their specialty lies in "gentle-extracted" lutein, using cold-press techniques to preserve natural antioxidants. This makes their lutein particularly popular among cosmetic brands, as it integrates smoothly into serums and creams targeting eye-area skincare.
Certifications: They hold Ecocert (organic cosmetics) and Cosmos Natural certifications, making them a top choice for clean beauty brands. Their facility is also certified by the Romanian Ministry of Health for pharmaceutical-grade production.
Customer Focus: Transylvanian Herbal Traders prides itself on personalized service. They work closely with clients to develop custom lutein formulations, whether adjusting particle size for better absorption in supplements or creating oil-soluble versions for cosmetics. Minimum orders start at 5kg, making them accessible to startups and small businesses.
Unique Selling Point: Their "farm-to-bottle" model ensures full traceability. They partner with small-scale marigold farmers in the Transylvanian countryside, paying fair prices and supporting local agriculture. For brands focused on ethical sourcing, this story adds value to their products.
4. Bucharest Pharma Ingredients
Background: Bucharest Pharma Ingredients (BPI) is a heavyweight in Romania's pharmaceutical raw materials market. Established in 2005, they supply active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to drug manufacturers across Europe, with lutein being one of their flagship products.
Product Range: BPI specializes in high-purity lutein (90%+), meeting USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and EP (European Pharmacopoeia) standards. Their lutein is used in prescription eye health supplements and medical foods, where precision and consistency are non-negotiable.
Certifications: FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) registered, EMA (European Medicines Agency) compliant, and ISO 13485 (medical device quality) certified. Their strict quality control includes testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination, with results published in detailed CoAs.
Customer Focus: BPI works primarily with large pharmaceutical companies and contract manufacturers, with minimum orders of 100kg. They offer technical support, including stability testing and regulatory guidance, to help clients navigate complex EU and global compliance requirements.
Unique Selling Point: Their pharmaceutical-grade expertise sets them apart. Unlike many suppliers, BPI can assist with clinical trial material supply, making them a trusted partner for brands developing innovative eye health treatments.
5. Carpathian Zeaxanthin Co.
Background: Carpathian Zeaxanthin Co., based in Sibiu, was founded in 2015 with a singular focus: perfecting lutein-zeaxanthin blends. Named after the Carpathian Mountains, their mission is to create ingredients that "nourish like the land itself."
Product Range: Their star product is a 5:1 lutein-zeaxanthin blend, often recommended by ophthalmologists as the optimal ratio for eye health. They also offer custom ratios (e.g., 10:1, 2:1) and added ingredients like vitamin E for enhanced antioxidant protection.
Certifications: ISO 17025 (laboratory accreditation) ensures their in-house testing is accurate and reliable. They're also registered with the Romanian National Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (ANMDM), complying with EU supplement regulations.
Customer Focus: Carpathian Zeaxanthin Co. targets supplement brands and health food companies, offering both bulk powder and pre-mixed capsule formulations. They provide free samples (up to 500g) to help clients test compatibility with their products.
Unique Selling Point: Research partnerships set them apart. They collaborate with the University of Bucharest's Department of Ophthalmology to conduct studies on their blends' efficacy, publishing results in peer-reviewed journals. For brands looking to market their supplements with scientific backing, this is a significant advantage.
6. EcoLutein Romania
Background: EcoLutein Romania is a pioneer in sustainable lutein production. Located in Timisoara, they've built their business around the idea that "green ingredients shouldn't cost the earth."
Product Range: Their claim to fame is algae-derived lutein, a vegan alternative to marigold-sourced lutein. Grown in closed-loop bioreactors, their algae is free from pesticides and herbicides, making it ideal for organic and vegan brands. They also produce water-soluble lutein for beverages and fortified foods.
Certifications: Organic EU, Vegan Society certified, and Carbon Neutral (by offsetting emissions through reforestation projects in the Danube Delta). They're also a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), ensuring ethical sourcing.
Customer Focus: EcoLutein caters to eco-conscious brands, from small startups to multinational corporations. Their minimum order is 5kg, and they offer eco-friendly packaging options (e.g., compostable bags, recyclable drums) to align with clients' sustainability goals.
Unique Selling Point: Their carbon-neutral production model is a major draw. For brands marketing themselves as "green" or "sustainable," partnering with EcoLutein adds credibility. They even provide clients with a "sustainability report" for each batch, detailing the environmental impact of their purchase.
7. Custom Nutra Solutions
Background: Custom Nutra Solutions, based in Bucharest, is all about flexibility. Founded by industry veterans who saw a gap in the market for tailored ingredient solutions, they work with clients to create lutein products that fit their exact specifications.
Product Range: Beyond standard lutein powder, they offer microencapsulated lutein (for better taste masking in gummies), liquid lutein extracts (for tinctures and beverages), and even lutein-infused probiotic blends. Their R&D team can also develop unique formulations, such as lutein with omega-3s or collagen.
Certifications: ISO 9001, GMP, and FSSC 22000 (food safety) certified. They also hold a license to produce dietary supplements, allowing them to offer "turnkey" solutions—from ingredient supply to finished product manufacturing.
Customer Focus: Custom Nutra Solutions works with businesses of all sizes, from startups launching their first product to large brands expanding their lines. Their minimum order is just 500g for custom formulations, making them accessible to small-scale innovators.
Unique Selling Point: Their "one-stop-shop" model saves clients time and money. Instead of coordinating with multiple suppliers, brands can get everything from lutein sourcing to packaging design under one roof. They also offer private labeling, helping startups get to market faster.
8. Danube Natural Extracts
Background: Danube Natural Extracts is a family-owned manufacturer with over 25 years of experience in herbal extracts. Located in Galati, along the Danube River, they've built their reputation on "old-world quality with new-world standards."
Product Range: Their lutein offerings include both marigold and algae-derived options, with purity levels from 10% to 95%. They're particularly known for their cold-water extraction method, which preserves more of lutein's natural co-factors (like xanthophylls) for enhanced benefits.
Certifications: Organic EU, Non-GMO Project Verified, and ISO 14001 (environmental management). Their facility is also audited annually by (third-party) organizations to ensure ethical labor practices.
Customer Focus: Danube Natural Extracts prides itself on relationships. They assign a dedicated account manager to each client, providing personalized support from order placement to delivery. They cater to both domestic and international clients, with export experience to over 20 countries.
Unique Selling Point: Their small-batch production ensures freshness. Unlike large manufacturers that produce in bulk and store for months, Danube makes lutein to order, reducing the risk of degradation. This is especially important for brands prioritizing potency and shelf life.
9. Eastern European Wholesale
Background: Eastern European Wholesale (EEW) is a trading company based in Constanta, Romania's largest port city. Founded in 2008, they specialize in importing and distributing high-quality ingredients from global manufacturers, making them a bridge between Romania and international lutein producers.
Product Range: EEW sources lutein from trusted manufacturers in China, India, and the U.S., offering a wide range of options: 5%-98% purity powder, oil suspensions, and encapsulated beads. They also stock specialty lutein, such as free-form lutein (for better absorption) and lutein esters (for stability).
Certifications: EEW is certified as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) by Romanian customs, ensuring fast and efficient import/export processes. They also verify that all suppliers hold GMP and ISO certifications, providing clients with full transparency.
Customer Focus: As a wholesaler, EEW targets large buyers, with minimum orders of 100kg. They offer competitive pricing by leveraging their volume buying power and pass savings on to clients. They also provide flexible payment terms, including letters of credit for international orders.
Unique Selling Point: Their global network gives clients access to hard-to-find lutein types. Whether you need ultra-high-purity lutein for pharmaceuticals or budget-friendly bulk powder for animal feed, EEW can source it. They also offer door-to-door delivery, handling all logistics from port to warehouse.
10. Biotech Vision Ingredients
Background: Biotech Vision Ingredients, based in Iasi, is a research-driven manufacturer focused on eye health ingredients. Founded by a team of biochemists, their mission is to "translate science into solutions" for better vision support.
Product Range: Their flagship product is a microencapsulated lutein, designed to improve bioavailability. Unlike standard lutein, which is often poorly absorbed, their encapsulated version has been shown in studies to increase blood levels by up to 30%. They also offer lutein with added astaxanthin for synergistic eye and skin benefits.
Certifications: ISO 13485 (medical devices), FDA registered, and CE marked (for medical products). Their microencapsulation technology is patented, giving them a unique edge in the market.
Customer Focus: Biotech Vision Ingredients works with pharmaceutical companies, nutraceutical brands, and ophthalmic clinics. They offer technical support, including assistance with clinical trial design and regulatory submissions for medical devices.
Unique Selling Point: Their focus on bioavailability sets them apart. For brands marketing lutein supplements as "highly absorbable," Biotech's microencapsulated lutein is a game-changer. They also provide access to their research library, including studies on absorption rates and efficacy, to help clients market their products effectively.
| Supplier Name | Product Focus | Key Certifications | Min Order | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Romanian Lutein Extracts SRL | Organic marigold lutein, blends | Organic EU, ISO 22000, GMP | 1kg | Sustainable, small-batch |
| Balkan Bulk Nutraceuticals | Bulk pharmaceutical-grade, blends | ISO 9001, HACCP | 100kg | Fast EU shipping, global sourcing |
| Transylvanian Herbal Traders | Gentle-extracted lutein for cosmetics | Ecocert, Cosmos Natural | 5kg | Traditional extraction, ethical sourcing |
| Bucharest Pharma Ingredients | High-purity (90%+) pharmaceutical lutein | FDA, EMA, ISO 13485 | 100kg | Clinical trial material, API supply |
| Carpathian Zeaxanthin Co. | Lutein-zeaxanthin blends | ISO 17025, ANMDM registered | 10kg | Research-backed formulations |
| EcoLutein Romania | Vegan algae-based lutein | Organic EU, Vegan, Carbon Neutral | 5kg | Sustainable, vegan-friendly |
| Custom Nutra Solutions | Custom formulations, private label | ISO 9001, GMP, FSSC 22000 | 500g (custom) | Tailored solutions, turnkey service |
| Danube Natural Extracts | Fresh small-batch, cold-water extraction | Organic EU, ISO 14001 | 5kg | Freshness, natural co-factors |
| Eastern European Wholesale | Imported global lutein varieties | AEO, Supplier GMP/ISO verification | 100kg | International sourcing, bulk pricing |
| Biotech Vision Ingredients | Microencapsulated, high-bioavailability | ISO 13485, FDA, CE | 50kg | Patented absorption technology |
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Lutein Supplier for Your Business
Selecting a lutein supplier in Romania isn't just about price—it's about aligning with your brand's values, quality standards, and business goals. Whether you prioritize sustainability, pharmaceutical-grade purity, or custom formulations, the suppliers on this list offer something unique.
For small businesses or those new to the industry, Romanian Lutein Extracts SRL or Transylvanian Herbal Traders may be ideal, with low minimum orders and personalized service. If you're a large supplement brand needing bulk quantities, Balkan Bulk Nutraceuticals or Eastern European Wholesale can deliver cost-effective, high-volume solutions. For eco-conscious or vegan brands, EcoLutein Romania's algae-based, carbon-neutral lutein is a standout choice.
Remember, "how much lutein per day" is recommended depends on the quality of the ingredient—so never compromise on certifications or testing. Always ask for a Certificate of Analysis and verify that suppliers meet EU and local regulations. With the right partner, you can create products that not only meet market demand but also build trust with consumers.
We hope this guide helps you find the perfect lutein supplier. Whether you're just starting out or looking to switch partners, the options above represent the best Romania has to offer. Here's to creating products that support healthy vision—and a healthy business.



