If you've ever walked through a Croatian farmers' market in spring, you've probably noticed the vibrant green leaves and purple flowers of milk thistle pushing up through the soil. This hardy plant, known locally as silybum marianum , isn't just a pretty addition to the landscape—it's the backbone of a thriving industry. Milk thistle extract, rich in the liver-supporting compound silymarin, has become a staple in supplements, pharmaceuticals, and even skincare products worldwide. And Croatia, with its sun-drenched coasts and fertile inland plains, has emerged as a hidden gem for sourcing high-quality milk thistle extract. Whether you're a small supplement brand looking for a reliable wholesale partner or a pharmaceutical company in need of pharmaceutical-grade raw materials, finding the right supplier can feel overwhelming. That's why we've rounded up the top 10 milk thistle extract suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Croatia—so you can connect with partners who understand both the science and the soul of this powerful botanical.
Why Milk Thistle Extract Matters: More Than Just a Herbal Trend
Before we dive into the list, let's take a moment to appreciate why milk thistle extract has captured the attention of wellness enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. For centuries, herbalists across Europe have turned to milk thistle to support liver health, and modern research has backed up much of that wisdom. Silymarin, the active complex in milk thistle seeds, is celebrated for its antioxidant properties and ability to promote liver cell regeneration. But its uses don't stop there—you'll find it in everything from liver detox supplements and hangover remedies to anti-aging serums (thanks to its anti-inflammatory benefits) and even pet health products. In Croatia, where herbalism is woven into the cultural fabric, milk thistle farming is often a family tradition, passed down through generations. Many suppliers here don't just "produce" extract—they nurture the plant from seed to powder, ensuring every batch tells a story of care and expertise.
Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers in Croatia
Croatia's milk thistle extract market is as diverse as its landscape, with players ranging from small-batch organic farmers to large-scale manufacturers exporting to 30+ countries. Below, we've highlighted 10 standout suppliers, each with unique strengths to match different business needs.
| Company Name | Type | Key Focus | Certifications | Minimum Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Croatian Herbal Extracts Ltd. | Manufacturer | Pharmaceutical-grade silymarin (80-95%) | ISO 9001, GMP, EU Organic | 50kg |
| Adriatic Botanicals | Wholesaler | Bulk organic extracts, private labeling | Ecocert, USDA Organic | 20kg |
| Zagreb Extract Traders | Trader | Global distribution, mixed botanical blends | Halal, Kosher | 10kg |
| Dalmacija Naturals | Manufacturer/Wholesaler | Small-batch, cold-pressed extracts | EU Organic, Fair Trade | 5kg |
| Slavonia BioExtracts | Manufacturer | Sustainable farming, high-potency silymarin | ISO 14001, GMP | 100kg |
| Rijeka Herbal Traders | Trader | Import/export, specialty extracts | FDA Registered | 15kg |
| Mediterranean Extract Works | Manufacturer | Pharmaceutical & cosmetic formulations | ISO 22000, GMP | 75kg |
| Osijek Organics | Wholesaler | 100% organic, traceable supply chain | EU Organic, Soil Association | 30kg |
| Split Botanical Co. | Manufacturer/Trader | Co-ops with local farmers, low MOQs | Organic Croatia | 5kg |
| Croatian Bulk Extracts | Wholesaler | Industrial-scale bulk, competitive pricing | ISO 9001 | 200kg |
1. Croatian Herbal Extracts Ltd. (Zagreb)
Nestled in the heart of Zagreb's industrial zone, Croatian Herbal Extracts Ltd. is a heavyweight in the pharmaceutical-grade extract space. Founded in 1998 by a team of biochemists, this manufacturer prides itself on precision—their silymarin extracts are tested in-house for purity, with options ranging from 80% to 95% concentration. What sets them apart? Their vertical integration: they own 200 acres of milk thistle farms in Slavonia, where plants are grown without synthetic pesticides, and their extraction facility runs on 30% renewable energy. Clients rave about their consistency—pharmaceutical companies across Europe rely on them for batch-to-batch uniformity, and their GMP-certified lab can even create custom formulations for specific needs (like water-soluble silymarin for liquid supplements). If you're in the pharma or high-end supplement market, this is a supplier that understands the rigor of regulatory compliance.
2. Adriatic Botanicals (Dubrovnik)
For brands that prioritize organic integrity, Adriatic Botanicals in Dubrovnik is a dream partner. This family-run wholesaler has been sourcing milk thistle from small organic farms along the Dalmatian coast since 2005, and their extracts carry both EU Organic and USDA Organic certifications. What makes their milk thistle special? The coastal soil—rich in minerals from the Adriatic Sea—gives their extracts a slightly higher antioxidant profile than inland-grown varieties, according to third-party lab tests. They specialize in bulk powder extracts (1kg to 500kg orders) but also offer private labeling for startups, with low minimums of just 20kg for custom packaging. Their customer service is legendary, too—owner Marina Kovač personally walks new clients through their supply chain, sharing photos of the farms and extraction process. If "clean label" and storytelling matter to your brand, Adriatic Botanicals brings that authentic Croatian charm.
3. Zagreb Extract Traders (Zagreb)
Sometimes, you need a supplier who can connect you to the global market—and that's where Zagreb Extract Traders shines. As one of Croatia's oldest extract traders (established 1982), they've built relationships with over 50 manufacturers across Europe, meaning they can source not just milk thistle, but a full range of botanical extracts (think ginseng, epimedium, and even rare Croatian herbs like immortelle) in one order. Their sweet spot? Mixed botanical blends for supplements and functional foods. For example, they'll create a "Liver Support Complex" combining milk thistle, artichoke, and dandelion extracts, tailored to your specs. They're also experts in international shipping, handling all customs paperwork for exports to the US, Canada, and Australia. With Halal and Kosher certifications, they cater to niche markets, and their small MOQ of 10kg makes them ideal for testing new product lines.
4. Dalmacija Naturals (Split)
If you're after small-batch, artisanal quality, Dalmacija Naturals is a hidden gem in Split. This manufacturer-wholesaler focuses on cold-pressed extraction, a gentler method that preserves more of milk thistle's natural compounds (including flavonoids often lost in high-heat processes). Their extracts are pricey—about 15% higher than industrial-scale suppliers—but clients say the difference is noticeable in efficacy. They work with just 12 family farms in the Dalmatian hinterland, each growing milk thistle using biodynamic practices, and limit production to 500kg per month to ensure quality. Their most popular product? A 85% silymarin powder packaged in eco-friendly, compostable bags, perfect for sustainable brands. They also offer liquid extracts for skincare companies, with a loyal following in the natural beauty space. For brands that want to market "handcrafted" or "small-batch," Dalmacija Naturals delivers that story.
5. Slavonia BioExtracts (Osijek)
Slavonia, in eastern Croatia, is known for its fertile plains—and Slavonia BioExtracts leverages that to produce some of the country's highest-yield milk thistle. As a large-scale manufacturer, they can handle orders up to 5,000kg per month, making them a go-to for big supplement brands. Their claim to fame? A proprietary extraction process that boosts silymarin bioavailability by 20%, meaning the body absorbs more of the active compound. They're also sustainability leaders: their extraction facility runs on biogas from agricultural waste, and they recycle 95% of their water. While they don't specialize in organic (though they do offer an organic line), their conventional extracts are affordably priced, with bulk discounts starting at 100kg. If you need high volume, consistent quality, and a supplier who can scale with your growth, Slavonia BioExtracts has the infrastructure.
6. Rijeka Herbal Traders (Rijeka)
Based in the port city of Rijeka, this trader is all about efficiency. They specialize in importing and exporting milk thistle extract, with a focus on fast turnaround times—most orders ship within 48 hours of payment. Their warehouse stocks over 10 tons of milk thistle extract at any given time, including hard-to-find variants like standardized 90% silymarin and oil-soluble extracts for cosmetics. They're also one of the few Croatian suppliers FDA-registered, which simplifies importing to the US. While they don't produce their own extracts, they rigorously test every batch for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination, providing Certificates of Analysis with every order. For businesses that need reliability and speed (think last-minute restocks or tight production deadlines), Rijeka Herbal Traders delivers.
7. Mediterranean Extract Works (Split)
Mediterranean Extract Works is where science meets nature. This manufacturer, founded by a team of pharmacologists, focuses on creating extracts for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, where precision is non-negotiable. Their milk thistle extract is used in liver medications across Europe, thanks to their ultra-pure silymarin (95% concentration, with no detectable impurities). They also produce a unique "phytosome" form of silymarin, which is bound to phospholipids for better absorption—ideal for high-end supplements or skincare serums targeting deep liver support or anti-aging. Their facility is ISO 22000-certified, and they regularly undergo audits by major pharmaceutical companies. While their minimum order is higher (75kg), they offer technical support to help clients navigate regulatory hurdles, like EU Novel Food applications. If you're in the pharma or prestige cosmetic space, this is a supplier with the credentials to back your product claims.
8. Osijek Organics (Osijek)
Osijek Organics is proof that "organic" doesn't have to mean small-scale. This wholesaler works with a cooperative of 30 organic farms in Slavonia, pooling their milk thistle harvests to offer bulk organic extracts at competitive prices. Their extracts are certified by the EU Organic label and the UK's Soil Association, making them popular with European and British supplement brands. What's unique about their process? They use a CO2 extraction method, which avoids solvents and results in a cleaner-tasting powder—great for brands making flavored supplements or functional foods. They also offer a "traceability map" for each batch, so customers can see exactly which farm their milk thistle came from, down to the field coordinates. With a focus on transparency and community support (they reinvest 5% of profits into farmer training), Osijek Organics is a supplier with heart for brands that value social responsibility.
9. Split Botanical Co. (Split)
For startups and small businesses, Split Botanical Co. is a lifesaver. This hybrid manufacturer-trader keeps minimum order quantities low (just 5kg for milk thistle extract) and offers flexible payment terms, making it easy to test new products without breaking the bank. They source their milk thistle from a network of small farms in the Split area, many of which have been growing the plant for decades, and their extraction facility is small but efficient, focusing on quality over quantity. While they don't have the certifications of larger suppliers (they're in the process of getting EU Organic), their extracts are tested by an independent lab in Zagreb, with results available on request. Owner Ivan Petrić is happy to share samples—just cover shipping—and he'll even give you tips on formulating with milk thistle (pro tip: pair it with vitamin C for better absorption, he advises). If you're just starting out and need a supportive partner, Split Botanical Co. feels like a collaborator, not just a vendor.
10. Croatian Bulk Extracts (Varazdin)
When price and volume are your top priorities, Croatian Bulk Extracts delivers. This wholesaler specializes in industrial-grade milk thistle extract, with prices that undercut many competitors by 10-15%. They source from large manufacturers in Croatia and neighboring Serbia, focusing on conventional extracts (no organic certifications) but with solid quality control—all batches meet EU standards for heavy metals and pesticides. Their sweet spot is orders of 200kg or more, which they can ship in bulk bags to save on packaging costs. They also offer a "value blend" of milk thistle and other liver-supporting herbs (like chicory root) at an even lower price point, ideal for budget-friendly supplement lines. While they don't offer frills like custom labeling, their reliability and low costs have made them a favorite among contract manufacturers and large-scale food companies adding milk thistle to functional snacks or beverages.
What to Look for When Choosing a Milk Thistle Extract Supplier in Croatia
With so many options, how do you pick the right supplier for your business? Here are key factors to consider:
Silymarin Concentration
Not all milk thistle extracts are created equal. The active compound, silymarin, typically ranges from 60% to 95% in commercial extracts. If you're making a liver supplement, aim for 80% or higher for efficacy; for skincare, 60-70% may be sufficient (and gentler on the skin). Always ask for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) proving the silymarin content—reputable suppliers will provide this without hesitation.
Certifications That Matter
Certifications act as a shortcut to trust. For organic brands, EU Organic or USDA Organic is a must. Pharmaceutical and cosmetic clients should look for GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification, which ensures the supplier follows strict quality control protocols. If you sell to global markets, check for Halal, Kosher, or FDA registration (for the US). And don't overlook sustainability certifications—ISO 14001 (environmental management) or Fair Trade can add value to eco-conscious brands.
Supply Chain Transparency
Where does the milk thistle come from? A supplier who can trace their product back to the farm is more likely to prioritize quality. Ask about farming practices—are pesticides or synthetic fertilizers used? How are the seeds harvested and stored? Some suppliers, like Adriatic Botanicals and Osijek Organics, even offer farm tours or photos, so you can see the process firsthand. Transparency isn't just about ethics; it also reduces the risk of contamination or inconsistent quality.
Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) and Pricing
MOQs vary widely—from 5kg at Split Botanical Co. to 200kg at Croatian Bulk Extracts. Match the MOQ to your needs: startups may need low minimums to test products, while established brands will benefit from bulk pricing. Don't be afraid to negotiate—many suppliers offer discounts for repeat orders or larger volumes. Also, ask about shipping costs: suppliers near ports (like Rijeka Herbal Traders in Rijeka or Adriatic Botanicals in Dubrovnik) often have lower export rates to international markets.
Technical Support and Flexibility
Do you need help formulating a product? Or custom packaging? Suppliers like Zagreb Extract Traders and Mediterranean Extract Works offer technical support, from helping with dosage recommendations to creating custom extracts (like water-soluble or oil-soluble variants). Smaller suppliers, like Split Botanical Co., may be more flexible with payment terms or sample requests. Think about your long-term needs—will this supplier grow with you as your business scales?
Why Croatia Stands Out in the Milk Thistle Extract Market
Croatia may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of botanical extracts, but its combination of ideal growing conditions, traditional farming knowledge, and modern extraction technology makes it a powerhouse. The Mediterranean climate—hot, dry summers and mild winters—produces milk thistle with high silymarin content, and the country's strict EU regulations ensure safety and quality. Plus, Croatian suppliers tend to be more accessible than larger markets like China or India, with many offering personalized service and English-speaking staff.
Whether you're a pharmaceutical company needing ultra-pure silymarin, a skincare brand chasing organic extracts, or a startup testing your first supplement, the suppliers on this list represent the best of Croatia's milk thistle extract industry. Take the time to reach out, ask questions, and request samples—finding the right partner is key to creating a product that stands out in a crowded market. After all, behind every great milk thistle extract is a story of sun, soil, and the passion of the people who grow it.
