Milk thistle extract has become a cornerstone in the world of natural health, celebrated for its potential liver-supporting properties and versatility in everything from dietary supplements to herbal remedies. As demand for high-quality botanical extracts continues to rise, Hungary has emerged as a key player in the European market, boasting a handful of trusted suppliers that prioritize purity, sustainability, and innovation. Whether you're a small business looking for bulk milk thistle extract to craft your next supplement line or a large pharmaceutical company in need of pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, finding the right partner is crucial. In this guide, we'll explore the top 10 milk thistle extract suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Hungary, breaking down what makes each stand out—from their certification credentials to their commitment to customer satisfaction.
But first, why Hungary? The country's fertile soil, strict quality regulations, and proximity to major European markets make it an ideal hub for botanical extract production. Many Hungarian suppliers also adhere to rigorous international standards, ensuring that their products meet the needs of global buyers, whether you're based in Budapest or beyond. Plus, with a growing focus on organic and sustainable practices, Hungarian suppliers are increasingly leading the way in eco-friendly extraction methods. So, let's dive into the list and find the perfect match for your milk thistle extract needs.
At a Glance: Key Suppliers Comparison
| Company Name | Primary Focus | Certifications | Minimum Order (MOQ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hungarian Botanicals Ltd. | Manufacturer (Organic & Bulk) | EU Organic, ISO 9001, GMP | 50 kg |
| Budapest Extract Traders | Wholesaler & Exporter | ISO 22000, Kosher | 100 kg |
| Danube Valley Herbs | Specialized Manufacturer | Ecocert, GMP, Halal | 25 kg |
| Pannon Pharma Extracts | Pharmaceutical Grade | ISO 13485, FDA Registered | 200 kg |
| Green Leaf Wholesale Kft. | Bulk & Private Label | ISO 9001, Organic Certified | 10 kg |
| Transylvania Botanical Traders | Importer & Distributor | EU Organic, Fair Trade | 50 kg |
| Balaton Bio Extracts | Sustainable Manufacturer | EU Organic, Rainforest Alliance | 30 kg |
| Euroherb Supply Co. | Global Exporter | ISO 22000, GMP | 150 kg |
| Carpathian Extract Works | Small-Batch Specialist | Organic, Vegan Society | 10 kg |
| Hungary Natural Ingredients | Trader & Custom Blends | ISO 9001, Kosher | 20 kg |
1. Hungarian Botanicals Ltd.
Established in 2005 and based in Szeged, Hungarian Botanicals Ltd. has grown from a small family-run operation to one of Hungary's most respected milk thistle extract manufacturers. What sets them apart? Their unwavering commitment to organic farming and bulk production. With over 150 hectares of organically certified farmland in the Great Hungarian Plain, they control the entire supply chain—from seed to extract—ensuring traceability and purity every step of the way.
Specializing in high-potency milk thistle extract (standardized to 80% silymarin), they also produce a range of other botanical extracts, but milk thistle remains their flagship product. Their state-of-the-art extraction facility uses cold-press technology to preserve active compounds, and they're proud holders of EU Organic, ISO 9001, and GMP certifications. For businesses looking to source large quantities, their MOQ of 50 kg is competitive, and they offer flexible pricing for repeat orders. Customers rave about their responsive customer service and on-time delivery, with many noting that their extracts consistently pass third-party lab tests with flying colors.
Sustainability is another cornerstone of their mission. They use solar energy to power 30% of their facility and have implemented a zero-waste policy, repurposing extraction byproducts as animal feed. If you're prioritizing organic certified botanical extracts and want a supplier with a transparent, eco-friendly process, Hungarian Botanicals Ltd. is a top choice.
2. Budapest Extract Traders
As one of Hungary's leading wholesalers and exporters, Budapest Extract Traders has built a reputation for connecting global buyers with premium milk thistle extract since 2010. Located in the heart of Budapest, they work with a network of local manufacturers (including some on this list) to offer a wide range of extract grades, from food-grade to cosmetic-quality. While they don't produce extracts in-house, their strict supplier vetting process ensures that every batch meets their high standards for purity and potency.
What makes them stand out is their focus on international trade. They export to over 30 countries, including Germany, France, and the UK, and have a dedicated logistics team that handles customs clearance and documentation, making cross-border ordering seamless. Their product line includes both conventional and organic milk thistle extract, with silymarin concentrations ranging from 40% to 90%. They also offer custom blending services, allowing clients to mix milk thistle with other extracts like turmeric or green tea.
Certifications include ISO 22000 (food safety) and Kosher, and they're known for their competitive pricing—thanks to their large buying power. Their MOQ of 100 kg might be steep for small businesses, but for mid-to-large scale operations, Budapest Extract Traders offers reliability and a one-stop shop for all botanical extract needs. Plus, their customer portal allows clients to track orders in real time, adding an extra layer of convenience.
3. Danube Valley Herbs
Nestled in the scenic Danube Valley, Danube Valley Herbs has carved a niche as a specialized manufacturer with a focus on small-batch, high-quality milk thistle extract. Founded in 2012 by a team of herbalists and biochemists, they prioritize traditional extraction methods combined with modern testing technology. Their facility, a renovated 19th-century mill, uses water-based extraction (no harsh solvents) to create extracts that retain maximum bioactivity.
What makes them unique is their dedication to niche markets. They offer milk thistle extract tailored for specific uses: a "skin-friendly" version for cosmetics (low heavy metals, gentle on sensitive skin), a "liver-support" blend for supplements (high silymarin content), and even a "culinary grade" extract for use in functional foods. All their products are certified Ecocert organic, GMP-compliant, and Halal, making them a favorite among natural skincare brands and health food companies.
With an MOQ of just 25 kg, they're accessible to small and medium businesses, and they offer free samples for testing—a rarity in the industry. Their customer service team includes a certified herbalist who can provide technical support, helping clients choose the right extract for their product. If you're looking for a supplier that combines artisanal quality with scientific rigor, Danube Valley Herbs is worth exploring.
4. Pannon Pharma Extracts
For businesses in need of pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract, Pannon Pharma Extracts is the go-to manufacturer in Hungary. Based in Pécs, this ISO 13485-certified company specializes in extracts that meet the strictest regulatory standards, including FDA registration and compliance with the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.). Founded in 1998, they've built long-term partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies across Europe, supplying ingredients for liver support medications and dietary supplements.
Their production process is highly controlled, with in-house labs conducting over 20 quality tests per batch, including silymarin content, microbial count, and heavy metal screening. They offer milk thistle extract in both powder and liquid form, with silymarin concentrations up to 95%—among the highest in the industry. Their MOQ of 200 kg reflects their focus on large-scale pharmaceutical clients, but they're willing to negotiate for long-term contracts.
What sets Pannon Pharma apart is their commitment to research and development. They collaborate with the University of Pécs to study the efficacy of their extracts, and they publish regular white papers on milk thistle's bioactive compounds. If your business requires pharmaceutical-grade ingredients with full regulatory documentation, Pannon Pharma Extracts delivers reliability and peace of mind.
5. Green Leaf Wholesale Kft.
Green Leaf Wholesale Kft., located in Debrecen, is a favorite among startups and small businesses thanks to its low MOQ and private label services. Established in 2015, they've quickly grown by focusing on flexibility and affordability, offering bulk milk thistle extract starting at just 10 kg. While they don't farm their own herbs, they source from trusted organic growers in Hungary and Austria, ensuring consistent quality.
Their product line includes both conventional and organic certified milk thistle extract, with silymarin levels ranging from 40% to 80%. What makes them stand out is their private label service: they'll package extracts in your brand's packaging, handle labeling compliance for the EU market, and even assist with product formulation. This is a huge time-saver for businesses looking to launch their own supplement line without investing in manufacturing equipment.
Certified ISO 9001 and with a focus on customer education, Green Leaf provides detailed COAs (Certificates of Analysis) with every order and offers free webinars on extract quality testing. Their small but dedicated team prides itself on fast turnaround times—most orders ship within 3–5 business days. If you're a small business or entrepreneur just starting out, Green Leaf Wholesale Kft. makes sourcing milk thistle extract simple and stress-free.
6. Transylvania Botanical Traders
Transylvania Botanical Traders, based in Cluj-Napoca (with a branch in Budapest), is unique in that it acts as both an importer and distributor, specializing in bringing in high-quality milk thistle extract from Eastern Europe and redistributing it to Hungarian and EU markets. Founded in 2008, they've built a network of trusted manufacturers in Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary, allowing them to offer a diverse range of products at competitive prices.
Their focus is on fair trade and sustainability—they work directly with small-scale farmers in Transylvania, ensuring fair wages and eco-friendly farming practices. This commitment has earned them EU Organic and Fair Trade certifications, making them a popular choice for ethical brands. Their milk thistle extract is available in bulk (MOQ 50 kg) and comes in various forms: powder, liquid, and encapsulated (for ready-to-sell supplements).
What clients love most is their transparency. They provide detailed farm profiles, so you know exactly where your extract comes from, and they offer factory tours for interested buyers. Their Budapest warehouse ensures quick delivery within Hungary (1–2 days) and fast shipping to other EU countries. If ethical sourcing and supply chain transparency are top priorities for your business, Transylvania Botanical Traders is an excellent partner.
7. Balaton Bio Extracts
Balaton Bio Extracts, located near Lake Balaton, is a sustainability-focused manufacturer that has made waves in the industry with its eco-friendly practices. Founded in 2017, they've invested heavily in green technology: their extraction facility runs on 100% renewable energy (solar and wind), and they use a closed-loop water system to minimize waste. Even their packaging is 100% biodegradable or recyclable.
Their milk thistle extract is EU Organic certified and standardized to 80% silymarin, with a focus on sustainability from seed to shelf. They source milk thistle from local farmers who follow regenerative agriculture practices, improving soil health and biodiversity. Their extraction process uses supercritical CO2—an environmentally friendly method that avoids solvent residues and produces a purer extract.
With an MOQ of 30 kg, they cater to both small businesses and larger brands looking to align with eco-conscious values. They also offer a "sustainability report" with every order, detailing the carbon footprint of your purchase—a unique selling point for brands marketing themselves as green. If sustainability is at the core of your business model, Balaton Bio Extracts is a supplier that walks the walk.
8. Euroherb Supply Co.
Euroherb Supply Co. is a global exporter with a strong presence in Hungary, connecting Hungarian-manufactured milk thistle extract to buyers worldwide. Headquartered in Vienna with a production facility in Győr, Hungary, they've been in operation since 2001 and have built a reputation for reliability and large-scale production. Their facility has a capacity of over 500 tons of extract per year, making them one of the largest milk thistle extract suppliers in Central Europe.
They specialize in bulk orders (MOQ 150 kg) and offer a range of grades: food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical. Their milk thistle extract is standardized to 40–90% silymarin, and they can customize particle size and solubility to meet client specifications. Certifications include ISO 22000 (food safety) and GMP, and they're registered with the EU's REACH database, ensuring compliance with chemical safety regulations.
What makes them a top choice for international buyers is their logistics expertise. They have dedicated shipping partners for air, sea, and land transport, and they handle all documentation, including phytosanitary certificates and customs clearance. Their multilingual sales team (fluent in English, German, French, and Hungarian) ensures smooth communication, even across time zones. For businesses needing large quantities with global delivery, Euroherb Supply Co. delivers consistency and efficiency.
9. Carpathian Extract Works
Carpathian Extract Works, based in Miskolc, is a small-batch manufacturer with a passion for traditional herbalism. Founded in 2015 by a group of herbalists and naturopaths, they focus on creating milk thistle extract using methods inspired by folk medicine, such as slow maceration and cold pressing. While they embrace tradition, they don't skimp on quality control—all their extracts are tested in an in-house lab for potency and purity.
Their claim to fame is their "whole plant" extract, which includes not just the seeds (where silymarin is typically found) but also the leaves and stems, creating a more balanced profile of bioactive compounds. This unique approach has made them popular among holistic health brands and herbalists. Their products are certified organic by the Hungarian Organic Association and vegan-friendly (no animal-derived ingredients in processing).
With an MOQ of just 10 kg, they're ideal for small businesses and artisanal brands. They also offer workshops on herbal extraction, inviting clients to learn about the process firsthand. While their production capacity is smaller than some larger manufacturers, their attention to detail and passion for herbalism shine through in their products. If you're looking for a supplier with a personal touch and a respect for tradition, Carpathian Extract Works is a hidden gem.
10. Hungary Natural Ingredients
Rounding out our list is Hungary Natural Ingredients, a trader and custom blend specialist based in Szolnok. Founded in 2010, they've built a reputation for flexibility, offering everything from single-ingredient milk thistle extract to custom blends (e.g., milk thistle + dandelion + artichoke for liver support formulas). They work with a network of manufacturers across Hungary to source the best extracts, then add value through blending, testing, and packaging.
Their product range includes both conventional and organic milk thistle extract, with options for every budget. They're known for their quick turnaround times—most custom blends are ready within 7–10 days—and their competitive pricing, thanks to their low overhead costs. Certifications include ISO 9001 and Kosher, and they can arrange for third-party testing upon request.
What sets them apart is their focus on education. Their website features a blog with articles on milk thistle benefits, extraction methods, and formulation tips, and their customer service team is happy to provide technical advice. They also offer private label services, making it easy for brands to launch their own supplement lines without the hassle of manufacturing. For businesses looking for a one-stop shop for custom blends and expert support, Hungary Natural Ingredients delivers.
What to Look for When Choosing a Milk Thistle Extract Supplier in Hungary
With so many options, selecting the right milk thistle extract supplier can feel overwhelming. Here are key factors to consider to ensure you find a partner that aligns with your business needs:
1. Certifications Matter: Always check for certifications like EU Organic, GMP, or ISO. These ensure the supplier follows strict quality and safety standards. If you're targeting organic markets, look for organic certified botanical extracts specifically—this guarantees the milk thistle was grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
2. Purity and Potency: Ask for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each batch. This document should detail silymarin content (aim for 70–80% for most applications), heavy metal levels, microbial counts, and solvent residues. Reputable suppliers will provide this without hesitation.
3. Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): Small businesses may need a low MOQ (like Green Leaf Wholesale Kft. or Carpathian Extract Works), while large manufacturers might require bulk orders (Euroherb Supply Co. or Pannon Pharma Extracts). Choose a supplier whose MOQ aligns with your current needs, but also consider future scalability.
4. Production Methods: Extraction methods affect the extract's quality. Solvent-based extraction is common but may leave residues; water-based or CO2 extraction is gentler and more eco-friendly (look for suppliers like Danube Valley Herbs or Balaton Bio Extracts).
5. Sustainability and Ethics: More brands are prioritizing eco-friendly and fair trade practices. Suppliers like Transylvania Botanical Traders and Balaton Bio Extracts focus on sustainability, which can be a selling point for your customers.
6. Customer Support: A supplier with responsive customer service, technical support, and flexible ordering can save you time and stress. Look for companies that offer samples, technical advice, or custom solutions (like Hungary Natural Ingredients' blending services).
Hungary's milk thistle extract market is thriving, with suppliers catering to every need—from small-batch organic extracts to large-scale pharmaceutical-grade orders. Whether you're a startup crafting natural supplements or a multinational corporation in need of bulk ingredients, the key is to prioritize quality, reliability, and alignment with your brand values. By considering factors like certifications, production methods, and customer support, you can find a supplier that not only meets your current needs but also grows with your business.
From the eco-conscious practices of Balaton Bio Extracts to the pharmaceutical rigor of Pannon Pharma Extracts, each supplier on this list brings something unique to the table. Take the time to request samples, ask questions, and compare COAs—your customers (and your bottom line) will thank you for it. Here's to finding the perfect milk thistle extract partner in Hungary!



