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

Founded in 2005, GreenHarvest Botanicals has grown from a small family-run farm in County Galway to one of Ireland's most trusted milk thistle extract manufacturers. What sets them apart? Their vertically integrated model: they grow, harvest, and extract milk thistle on-site, giving them full control over every step of the process. This hands-on approach ensures that their extracts are not only potent but also traceable—you can even request a tour of their farms to see their sustainable practices in action.

GreenHarvest specializes in organic certified botanical extracts, with their milk thistle extract boasting a silymarin content of up to 80%—one of the highest in the industry. They offer both powder and liquid forms, catering to supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. For bulk buyers, their minimum order quantity (MOQ) starts at 25kg, with discounts available for larger orders. They're also certified by the Organic Trust Ireland and hold GMP certification, giving customers peace of mind about quality.

What customers love most about GreenHarvest is their personalized service. Their team of botanists is always on hand to answer questions, whether you need help choosing the right extract concentration or guidance on formulation. As one customer put it: "Working with GreenHarvest feels like partnering with a friend—they truly care about your success."

IrishHerb Extracts Ltd., based in County Kildare, is a powerhouse when it comes to bulk milk thistle extract. Established in 1998, they've built a reputation for reliability, offering consistent quality at competitive prices. Their state-of-the-art extraction facility uses cold-press technology to preserve the active compounds in milk thistle, ensuring maximum efficacy. Whether you need 100kg or 10,000kg, IrishHerb can scale to meet your needs—making them a favorite among large-scale supplement manufacturers and food and beverage companies.

While they're best known for their bulk offerings, IrishHerb doesn't skimp on quality. Their milk thistle extract is tested in-house and by third-party labs for purity, with results available upon request. They also offer custom formulations, allowing you to adjust silymarin levels or add other botanical extracts to create unique blends. Sustainability is another priority: they source milk thistle from local farmers who use regenerative agriculture practices, reducing their carbon footprint.

Customers praise IrishHerb for their fast turnaround times and transparent pricing. "We've been ordering bulk milk thistle extract from them for five years, and we've never had a late delivery or a quality issue," says a production manager at a leading Irish supplement brand. "They're the definition of a reliable partner."

Nestled in the coastal town of Sligo, AtlanticBio Ingredients is a hidden gem for premium milk thistle extract. Founded by a team of biochemists with a passion for natural ingredients, this supplier focuses on pharmaceutical-grade extracts—making them a top choice for companies in the healthcare and nutraceutical sectors. Their milk thistle extract undergoes rigorous testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination, ensuring it meets the strictest EU pharmaceutical standards.

AtlanticBio's claim to fame? Their innovative extraction process, which uses supercritical CO2 instead of harsh solvents. This method preserves the extract's natural compounds while eliminating residues, resulting in a purer, more bioavailable product. They also offer organic and conventional options, with silymarin concentrations ranging from 40% to 90%. For small businesses, their MOQ is a manageable 5kg, though they're happy to accommodate larger orders.

What truly sets AtlanticBio apart is their commitment to research. They collaborate with universities across Ireland to study the benefits of milk thistle extract, often sharing their findings with customers to help them market their products more effectively. "They don't just sell you extract—they educate you," says a pharmaceutical formulator who works with AtlanticBio. "It's like having a R&D team on speed dial."

For those prioritizing organic ingredients, Emerald Organic Supply in County Clare is a must-consider. As a certified organic supplier, they source milk thistle from farms that have been organic for at least three years, ensuring no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides come into contact with the plants. Their extracts are certified by the Irish Organic Association (IOA) and the EU Organic Label, giving customers confidence that they're getting the real deal.

Emerald Organic Supply offers a range of milk thistle products, including powdered extract, liquid tincture, and even encapsulated supplements for businesses that prefer ready-to-sell options. Their silymarin content averages 70%, and they're happy to provide custom certifications for specific markets (e.g., USDA Organic for exports to the U.S.). What's more, they're committed to fair trade, paying farmers a premium to support sustainable livelihoods.

Customers rave about Emerald's dedication to transparency. "They send us detailed reports on every batch, including where the milk thistle was grown and how it was extracted," says an organic skincare brand owner. "In an industry where 'organic' can be a buzzword, Emerald walks the walk."

Celtic Naturals Trading, based in Dublin, is a wholesaler and trader with a global reach. While they don't manufacture extracts in-house, they partner with trusted milk thistle extract manufacturers across Ireland and Europe to offer a wide range of products at competitive prices. This model allows them to source the best extract for your needs, whether you're looking for budget-friendly bulk powder or high-end organic liquid extract.

One of Celtic Naturals' biggest strengths is their flexibility. They work with businesses of all sizes, from startups ordering 1kg samples to multinational corporations needing container-load quantities. They also offer fast shipping within Ireland and Europe, with most orders delivered within 2–3 business days. For international customers, they handle customs documentation, making importing a breeze.

What customers appreciate most is Celtic Naturals' honesty. "If they don't have the exact product we need, they'll point us to a partner who does—even if it means losing a sale," says a small-batch supplement maker. "It's refreshing to work with a company that values relationships over profits."

Located in County Kerry, West Coast Extracts is a family-owned manufacturer with over 30 years of experience in botanical extracts. Their milk thistle extract is made from locally grown seeds, harvested at the peak of ripeness to ensure maximum potency. They use a traditional solvent extraction method that's been refined over generations, resulting in a rich, dark extract with a high silymarin content.

West Coast Extracts prides itself on being a "one-stop shop" for botanical ingredients. In addition to milk thistle, they offer extracts like nettle, chamomile, and echinacea, making it easy to source all your herbal needs from one supplier. They also provide private labeling services, ideal for businesses looking to launch their own supplement line without investing in manufacturing equipment.

Customers love the personal touch at West Coast Extracts. "The owner still answers the phone himself and remembers our order history," says a local health food store owner. "It's a small company, but their quality rivals the big players. We wouldn't go anywhere else."

BioVitality Ireland, based in Cork, is all about innovation. This forward-thinking manufacturer specializes in water-soluble milk thistle extract, a game-changer for products like beverages, gummies, and skincare serums where solubility is key. Traditional milk thistle extract is oil-soluble, which can limit its use in certain formulations—BioVitality's patented process solves this problem, making their extract easy to blend into a variety of products.

In addition to water-soluble extract, BioVitality offers standard oil-soluble options and even nanoemulsified extracts for enhanced absorption. Their R&D team is constantly experimenting with new formulations, often collaborating with customers to create custom solutions. They're also big on sustainability, using 100% renewable energy in their facility and recycling all extraction byproducts as fertilizer.

"Their water-soluble milk thistle extract revolutionized our energy drink line," says a beverage manufacturer. "Customers can now enjoy the benefits of milk thistle without any gritty texture or off-flavors. We've seen sales spike since switching to BioVitality."

Shamrock Botanicals Wholesale, located in County Limerick, is a go-to for businesses in the cosmetic and personal care industry. While they offer milk thistle extract for supplements, their specialty is cosmetic-grade extract—formulated to nourish skin and hair. Their milk thistle extract is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it a popular ingredient in serums, creams, and shampoos.

Shamrock Botanicals works closely with cosmetic formulators to ensure their extracts are easy to incorporate into products. They offer both liquid and powdered forms, with low MOQs (starting at 1kg) that are perfect for small-batch brands. They also provide samples, so you can test the extract in your formulations before committing to a larger order. For added convenience, they stock a range of other botanical extracts, from rosehip to green tea, allowing you to source all your cosmetic ingredients in one place.

"As a small skincare brand, we can't afford to waste money on ingredients that don't work," says a cosmetic entrepreneur. "Shamrock's samples let us experiment without risk, and their customer service team is always happy to help with formulation tips. We've built our entire line around their milk thistle extract."

PureLeaf Extracts, based in County Meath, is a newcomer to the scene, but they've quickly made a name for themselves with their ultra-pure milk thistle extract. Founded by a former pharmaceutical executive who saw a gap in the market for high-quality, affordable botanical extracts, PureLeaf uses a gentle, water-based extraction method that's both eco-friendly and effective. Their extract is free from alcohol, solvents, and preservatives, making it ideal for clean-label products.

What sets PureLeaf apart is their focus on education. They offer free webinars for customers on topics like "The Science of Milk Thistle Extract" and "How to Market Botanical Supplements," helping businesses grow their knowledge and their brands. They also provide detailed COAs (Certificates of Analysis) with every order, so you know exactly what you're getting. Their MOQ is 10kg, but they offer discounts for repeat customers.

"We switched to PureLeaf last year, and our customers have noticed the difference," says a supplement brand owner. "Their extract is brighter in color and has a fresher scent, which tells us it's more potent. Plus, their webinars have helped us create better product descriptions—sales are up 20%!"

Rounding out our list is Liffey Valley Bioactives, a Dublin-based supplier that specializes in bulk milk thistle extract for the food and beverage industry. From functional drinks to fortified snacks, their extract is designed to add a nutritional boost without compromising taste. They offer both powdered and liquid extracts, with neutral flavors that blend seamlessly into everything from smoothies to energy bars.

Liffey Valley Bioactives prides itself on its scalability. They can handle orders of up to 50,000kg, making them a top choice for large food manufacturers. They also offer custom flavor masking, ensuring their milk thistle extract doesn't alter the taste of your product. Their extract is non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan, catering to the growing demand for inclusive food options.

"We use their milk thistle extract in our line of functional waters," says a food and beverage developer. "It's tasteless, dissolves instantly, and our customers love that it supports liver health. Liffey Valley's team even helped us navigate the EU's novel food regulations—something we couldn't have done alone."