Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Traders in Belize

Established in 2005, Belize Natural Extracts Co. (BNEC) is a household name in the country's botanical extract scene. What started as a small family operation has grown into one of Belize's leading manufacturers and wholesalers of milk thistle extract. BNEC prides itself on "farm-to-bottle" traceability—they work directly with 12 local farms to source milk thistle seeds, ensuring that every batch is grown without synthetic fertilizers. Their product line includes both powder and liquid milk thistle extract, with silymarin concentrations ranging from 60% to 80% (a sweet spot for most supplement and cosmetic brands). For those needing large quantities, BNEC specializes in bulk milk thistle extract, with minimum orders starting at 50kg—though they're flexible for long-term partners. They're also GMP-certified, meaning their extraction process (which uses cold-press technology to preserve nutrients) meets strict quality standards. What sets BNEC apart? Their customer service. Many clients rave about their "hands-on" approach—whether you need help customizing a silymarin concentration or navigating import regulations for the U.S. or Europe, their team of botanists and logistics experts is there to guide you. As one long-time client put it: "BNEC doesn't just sell extract—they become a partner in your success."

If organic is non-negotiable for your brand, Green Harvest Botanicals should be at the top of your list. Founded in 2010 by a group of eco-conscious farmers, this family-owned manufacturer is all about "pure, planet-friendly extracts." They grow their milk thistle on 40 acres of certified organic farmland in the Cayo District, where the soil is rich in minerals and free from synthetic chemicals. Green Harvest's claim to fame? Their small-batch extraction process. Unlike larger manufacturers that prioritize volume, they produce milk thistle extract in batches of just 10-15kg, allowing for meticulous quality control. The result? A high quality milk thistle extract that's rich in silymarin (they offer 70-85% concentrations) and free from fillers or additives. They also offer a "raw" extract option, which skips the final filtration step for brands wanting a more natural, earthy texture. While they're best known for their organic powder extract, they've recently expanded into liquid extracts for skincare brands, with a gentle, alcohol-free formula that's perfect for serums and lotions. And if you're worried about certifications, rest easy—they're certified by the USDA Organic and the Belize Organic Producers Association (BOPA), so you can trust their "organic" label isn't just marketing.

For businesses in the pharmaceutical or nutraceutical industries, Caribbean Bioactives Ltd. (CBL) is a heavyweight. Established in 2015, this manufacturer focuses on "science-backed extracts," with a state-of-the-art lab in Belize City that's ISO 9001 certified. Their specialty? Standardized milk thistle extract, with silymarin levels guaranteed to within 1% of the labeled concentration (a must for products that need consistent potency). CBL works with pharmaceutical companies across North America and Europe, producing everything from bulk powder for capsules to concentrated liquid extracts for injectables. They also offer custom formulations—if your product needs a specific particle size or solubility, their R&D team can tailor the extract to your specs. And for peace of mind, they provide full documentation with every order, including HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) reports to verify silymarin content and heavy metal testing results. What makes CBL stand out? Their commitment to innovation. They recently invested in ultrasonic extraction technology, which reduces processing time while preserving more of milk thistle's beneficial compounds. As their head of operations, Dr. Elena Mendez, puts it: "We don't just follow industry standards—we aim to set them."

If sustainability is at the core of your brand, PureThistle Organics is a match made in heaven. This family-run supplier, founded in 2012, is all about "ethical extraction." They source their milk thistle seeds from a cooperative of 20 small-scale farmers in the Toledo District, paying fair trade prices that help support local communities. In fact, 10% of their profits go back to the farmers' co-op to fund sustainable farming training. PureThistle's product line is simple but effective: organic milk thistle extract in powder form (70-80% silymarin) and a unique "whole-plant" extract that includes not just the seeds, but also the leaves and stems for added phytonutrients. They're popular with health food brands and herbalists who value the "whole plant" approach to wellness. Packaging is another highlight—they use compostable bags made from sugarcane fiber, and their shipping boxes are 100% recycled. For brands looking to tell a sustainability story, PureThistle even provides photos and stories of the farmers who grew the milk thistle, helping you connect with consumers on a deeper level. As one customer noted: "Working with PureThistle isn't just a transaction—it's a partnership in doing good."

As the name suggests, Belize Bulk Extracts (BBE) is all about quantity—without sacrificing quality. Founded in 2018, this wholesaler has quickly become a favorite for businesses needing large volumes of milk thistle extract, from supplement manufacturers to cosmetic brands with high production needs. BBE's sweet spot is bulk orders—they offer milk thistle extract in 25kg, 50kg, and even 100kg bags, with prices that ｄｒｏｐ as order size increases. But don't let the "bulk" label fool you—their quality is top-notch. They source seeds from trusted farms in the Orange Walk District and use a gentle, water-based extraction process to avoid chemical residues. Their standard product is an 80% silymarin powder, but they also offer organic and conventional options. What makes BBE a go-to for startups? Their flexible minimum order quantities. While most bulk suppliers require orders of 50kg or more, BBE will work with you if you need as little as 10kg to test your product. They also offer fast turnaround times—most orders ship within 3-5 business days, which is a lifesaver for brands with tight production schedules. As one small-business owner put it: "BBE helped us scale from making 100 bottles a month to 10,000—without ever running out of stock."

Not every business needs to work directly with a manufacturer—sometimes, you just need a reliable trader who can connect you with the best sources. That's where Tropical Herbal Traders (THT) comes in. Founded in 2008, THT is a family-owned trading company that acts as a bridge between Belizean farmers and international buyers. They don't produce extracts themselves, but they vet and partner with the country's top manufacturers to offer a curated selection of milk thistle extract options. THT's strength is variety. Whether you need organic, conventional, bulk, or small-batch extract, they can source it for you. They also offer a "sample pack" service—for a small fee, they'll send you 50g samples from 3-4 different manufacturers, so you can test quality before committing to a large order. This is especially helpful if you're new to sourcing and want to compare options. What clients love about THT is their personalized service. Their team speaks English, Spanish, and Creole, making communication a breeze for international buyers. They also handle all the logistics, from arranging shipping to navigating customs paperwork. As one client from Canada shared: "I was overwhelmed trying to find a supplier in Belize—THT took care of everything, and now I've been ordering from them for three years."

If you're after the highest silymarin content possible, Silymarin Solutions Belize (SSB) is your supplier. Founded in 2017 by a team of botanists, this manufacturer specializes in ultra-concentrated milk thistle extract, with silymarin levels reaching up to 95%. That's significantly higher than the industry standard of 70-80%, making it ideal for products that need maximum potency, like liver detox supplements or clinical research. SSB's process is meticulous. They start with hand-selected milk thistle seeds (only the plumpest, darkest seeds make the cut) and use a proprietary supercritical CO2 extraction method, which uses carbon dioxide under high pressure to pull out silymarin without heat or chemicals. The result is a pure, white powder that dissolves easily—perfect for clear liquids or transparent capsules. While their ultra-high silymarin extract is their star product, they also offer a "broad-spectrum" option that includes other beneficial compounds from milk thistle, like flavonoids and fatty acids. And for researchers, they provide custom batches with specific silymarin isomer profiles (like silibinin, silidianin, and silicristin) for studies on individual compounds. As their lab director, Dr. James Chen, notes: "We're not just selling extract—we're enabling science."

For brands that prioritize sustainability above all else, EcoExtracts Belize is a standout. This manufacturer, founded in 2012, runs on the motto "Extracts that respect the earth," and they mean it. Their extraction facility in San Ignacio is powered entirely by solar panels, and they use rainwater collection systems to reduce water waste. Even their extraction solvents are plant-based (they use ethanol derived from sugarcane instead of petroleum-based alcohols). EcoExtracts' milk thistle extract is certified by the Rainforest Alliance, which ensures that their sourcing practices protect biodiversity and support local communities. They offer both organic and conventional options, with silymarin concentrations from 60% to 85%. And in a nod to zero-waste principles, they repurpose the leftover plant material (after extraction) as animal feed for local farms. What's unique about EcoExtracts? Their "carbon-neutral shipping." They calculate the carbon footprint of each order and invest in reforestation projects in Belize to offset it. For brands looking to market themselves as eco-friendly, this is a huge plus. As their founder, Maria Alvarez, says: "We believe every product should leave the planet better than it found it."

When it comes to pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract, Belize Pharma Botanicals (BPB) is the gold standard. Established in 2010, this manufacturer has a facility in Belize City that's compliant with the U.S. FDA's Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) for pharmaceuticals. Their extracts are used in prescription liver medications, over-the-counter supplements, and even veterinary products. BPB's strict quality control starts with sourcing—they only use milk thistle seeds that meet USP (United States Pharmacopeia) standards for purity and potency. Their extraction process is highly controlled, with every step monitored by trained pharmacists. They also conduct stability testing to ensure the extract retains its potency for up to 36 months, which is crucial for products with long shelf lives. For clients, BPB offers full regulatory support, including assistance with FDA filings and product registration in international markets. They also provide batch-specific certificates of analysis (CoA) and drug master files (DMF) for pharmaceutical clients. As their quality assurance manager, Peter Johnson, puts it: "When lives depend on your product, you can't cut corners—and we never do."

Last but certainly not least, Heritage Herbs & Extracts brings a touch of tradition to modern extraction. Founded in 2003 by a fourth-generation herbalist, this family-run business blends time-honored techniques with modern technology. Their milk thistle extract is made using a cold maceration process (soaking the seeds in water and ethanol for 48 hours) that's been passed down through the family for decades, followed by gentle filtration to preserve delicate compounds. Heritage Herbs specializes in "artisanal" extracts, with a focus on flavor and aroma—their milk thistle powder has a subtle, nutty scent that's popular with herbal tea and tincture brands. They offer small batches (starting at 5kg) and can even infuse the extract with other herbs like dandelion or burdock for custom blends. What makes Heritage Herbs unique? Their storytelling. Each order comes with a handwritten note from the founder, sharing the history of the milk thistle batch—where it was grown, who harvested it, and even the weather conditions during the growing season. For brands that sell to consumers who value "authenticity" and "heritage," this personal touch is priceless. As one customer put it: "Heritage Herbs doesn't just sell extract—they sell a story, and our customers love that."