Top 10 Lutein Suppliers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Traders in South Africa

Founded in 2005, African Nutraceuticals Ltd. has grown from a small family-run operation to one of South Africa's most respected lutein manufacturers. Based in Johannesburg, they specialize in extracting lutein from marigold flowers—one of the richest natural sources of the carotenoid. What sets them apart? Their vertically integrated model: they own their marigold farms in Limpopo, ensuring full control over the cultivation process, from seed to extract. This hands-on approach means they can guarantee non-GMO, pesticide-free raw materials, which is a big win for brands marketing organic or clean-label products.

African Nutraceuticals offers a range of lutein products, including pure lutein powder (with concentrations from 5% to 90%), as well as lutein and zeaxanthin blends—a popular choice for eye health supplements, given the well-documented lutein and zeaxanthin benefits when paired together. They also provide custom formulations, working with clients to create blends tailored to specific needs, like vegan-friendly options or water-soluble powders for beverages. With ISO 9001 and GMP certifications, their quality is backed by third-party testing, and they pride themselves on fast turnaround times for bulk orders (typically 5–7 business days for local deliveries).

Based in Cape Town, Cape Lutein Traders has carved a niche as a go-to wholesaler for small to medium-sized businesses. Unlike manufacturers, they don't produce lutein themselves but source it from trusted global partners—including top-tier suppliers in India and China—and distribute it across Southern Africa. This model allows them to offer competitive pricing, as they can leverage bulk buying power without the overhead of running a production facility. For startups or businesses with limited storage space, they also offer flexible minimum order quantities (MOQs), starting as low as 1kg for standard lutein powder.

Their product lineup includes both synthetic and natural lutein, though natural options (derived from marigold) are their bestsellers. They also stock lutein esters, which are more stable in formulations like tablets and capsules, and water-dispersible lutein for use in liquid products such as energy drinks or eye drops. What clients love most? Their customer service team, which includes a certified nutritionist who can answer technical questions about dosage, shelf-life, and formulation compatibility. If you're new to working with lutein, Cape Lutein Traders acts as more than a supplier—they're a partner, offering free sample kits so you can test products before committing to a large order.

Nestled in the agricultural heartland of KwaZulu-Natal, Greenveld Extracts is a manufacturer with a focus on sustainability. They specialize in cold-pressed lutein extraction, a method that uses minimal heat to preserve the nutrient's potency—a process they claim results in 15% higher bioavailability compared to traditional solvent-based extraction. Their marigold farms are rain-fed, and they use solar power for 80% of their production energy, making them a favorite among eco-conscious brands.

Greenveld's flagship product is their "EcoLutein" line, which includes organic-certified lutein powder and liquid extracts. They also produce lutein-infused botanical blends, such as lutein with bilberry extract (another eye health powerhouse) and lutein with vitamin E for antioxidant synergy. For clients in the cosmetic industry, they offer lutein in oil-soluble form, ideal for anti-aging serums and creams (lutein's antioxidant properties help protect skin from UV damage). With a production capacity of 500kg of lutein powder per month, they can handle large orders, but they're also known for being flexible with small-batch requests for niche products.

As one of South Africa's largest wholesale distributors of nutritional raw materials, Johannesburg Bulk Nutrients (JBN) is a one-stop shop for businesses that need more than just lutein. Alongside their extensive range of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts, they offer a comprehensive selection of lutein products, sourced from vetted manufacturers in Europe and Asia. What makes JBN a top pick? Their scale: with warehouses in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, they can deliver to most parts of the country within 24–48 hours, minimizing downtime for clients.

JBN's lutein offerings include high-purity powder (up to 98% concentration), microencapsulated lutein for better absorption in supplements, and even lutein beads for use in chewable tablets. They also stock pre-mixed formulas, like "Eye Health Complex," which combines lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin A, and zinc—saving manufacturers the hassle of blending ingredients themselves. For businesses on a tight budget, they offer "value-grade" lutein, which is slightly lower in concentration but still meets industry standards for purity. And with a dedicated quality assurance team, they provide COA (Certificate of Analysis) for every batch, ensuring compliance with South African regulatory bodies like SAHPRA.

Lutein Solutions Africa, based in Pretoria, is a relative newcomer (founded in 2018) but has quickly made a name for itself as an innovator. Their claim to fame? They're the only supplier in South Africa producing lutein from algae, rather than marigold. While marigold is the traditional source, algae-based lutein is gaining traction for its sustainability (algae requires less water and land to grow) and higher concentration of natural antioxidants. For brands targeting the "novel ingredients" market, this is a unique selling point.

Their algae is grown in closed bioreactors, ensuring no contamination and year-round production (unlike marigold, which is seasonal). They offer algae-derived lutein in powder, liquid, and oil forms, with concentrations ranging from 10% to 85%. They also specialize in "clean label" products—no artificial preservatives or fillers—and are certified organic by Ecocert. While their prices are slightly higher than marigold-based lutein, clients say the premium is worth it for the marketing appeal of an eco-friendly, innovative ingredient. They also provide R&D support, helping brands test algae lutein in new formulations, from gummies to skincare serums.

Durban Herbal Extracts has been a fixture in South Africa's herbal supplement industry since 1995, and while they're best known for their African botanical extracts (like rooibos and hoodia), their lutein division has grown steadily over the past decade. What sets them apart is their focus on "whole food" lutein—extracted not just from marigold petals, but from the entire plant (stems, leaves, and flowers) to retain additional phytonutrients. They argue this "full-spectrum" approach enhances lutein's benefits, though it does result in a slightly lower concentration (typically 5–20% lutein per powder).

Durban Herbal Extracts sells bulk lutein powder, as well as liquid tinctures and encapsulated supplements (they offer private labeling for small brands). They're particularly popular with holistic health companies and naturopathic clinics, who value the whole-food philosophy. Their marigold is sourced from small-scale farmers in KwaZulu-Natal, supporting local communities, and they're certified Fair Trade. With a focus on education, they also host quarterly workshops for clients on topics like "Lutein Formulation 101" and "Regulatory Compliance for Supplements in South Africa."

Pretoria Fine Chemicals (PFC) is a manufacturer with a scientific edge. Specializing in pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, they produce lutein that meets the strictest purity standards—making them a top choice for pharmaceutical companies and high-end supplement brands. Their production facility is GMP-certified, and they follow ISO 13485 guidelines (specific to medical devices), ensuring their lutein is safe for use in prescription eye drops and clinical supplements.

PFC's lutein is derived from marigold, but they use a patented extraction process that removes all traces of solvents, heavy metals, and pesticides—resulting in a 99.9% pure product. They offer both free lutein and lutein esters, and can customize particle size for specific applications (e.g., microfine powder for fast-dissolving tablets). They also provide detailed analytical reports, including HPLC and FTIR data, for clients needing to comply with international regulations (like the EU's EFSA or the US FDA). While their minimum order quantities are higher (starting at 10kg), the quality and documentation make them worth it for businesses in regulated industries.

Western Cape Wholesale (WCW) is a trader that prides itself on accessibility. With a focus on small businesses and entrepreneurs, they've simplified the process of buying lutein by offering online ordering, transparent pricing (no hidden fees), and a user-friendly website with product specs, COAs, and even formulation guides. They source their lutein from a network of global manufacturers, but they vet each partner rigorously—only working with suppliers who meet ISO 22000 (food safety) and Halal certification standards.

WCW's product range is straightforward: standard lutein powder (5–80% concentration), lutein with zeaxanthin blends, and lutein in oil suspension (popular for use in softgels). They also stock "sample packs" (100g each) for businesses that want to test multiple concentrations before placing a bulk order. What clients appreciate most is their customer portal, where you can track orders, reorder with one click, and access past invoices—saving time for busy founders. They also offer same-day delivery in Cape Town and next-day delivery to major cities like Johannesburg and Durban.

As the name suggests, African Eye Health Ingredients (AEHI) is hyper-focused on lutein and its role in vision support. Founded by a team of ophthalmologists, they bring a unique clinical perspective to the table—ensuring their products are not just high-quality, but also backed by scientific research. Their lutein is sourced from marigold farms in Mpumalanga, and they work with the University of Stellenbosch to conduct ongoing studies on lutein's efficacy (they even publish some of their findings on their website for transparency).

AEHI's signature product is "VisionShield," a pre-formulated blend of lutein (10%), zeaxanthin (2%), vitamin C, and zinc—designed to mimic the nutrient ratios recommended by eye health organizations for AMD prevention. They also offer custom blends, but many clients opt for VisionShield to save time on R&D. For businesses targeting the medical community, they provide marketing materials, including clinical trial summaries and doctor-approved dosage guidelines. They're also active in industry events, often sponsoring eye health conferences to build credibility.

Rounding out our list is National Nutrient Traders (NNT), a well-established player with over 30 years in the industry. With offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, they have a national footprint that few competitors can match. NNT is a full-service trader, offering everything from raw materials to packaging, but their lutein division stands out for its reliability—they've never had a product recall, and their on-time delivery rate is 98%.

They source lutein from top manufacturers in China and India, focusing on cost-effectiveness without compromising quality. Their product line includes standard lutein powder, esters, and blends, with concentrations from 5% to 90%. They also offer "budget-friendly" options, like lutein mixed with carriers (e.g., maltodextrin) to lower costs for price-sensitive markets. For large-scale manufacturers, they provide bulk tanker deliveries of liquid lutein extract, reducing packaging waste and costs. Their customer service team is available 24/7, which is a lifesaver for businesses with tight production deadlines.