Why Milk Thistle Extract Matters in Norway's Natural Health Scene
Comparing Norway's Top Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers: At a Glance
| Company Name | Established | Product Focus | Key Certifications | MOQ | Main Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordicHerb Extracts AS | 2005 | Organic, standardized, bulk powder | GMP, EU Organic, ISO 9001 | 50kg | Norway, EU, UK |
| Oslo Natural Ingredients Ltd | 2010 | Pharmaceutical grade, liquid extracts | GMP, ISO 13485, FDA Registered | 100kg | Norway, Scandinavia, North America |
| Bergen Botanicals Trading | 2012 | Wholesale bulk, custom formulations | ISO 22000, Kosher, Halal | 200kg | Norway, Baltic States, Middle East |
| Trondheim Extract Solutions | 2008 | Organic certified, cold-pressed oils | NOP Organic, EU Organic, GMP | 25kg | Norway, Germany, France |
| Stavanger Health Ingredients AS | 2015 | High-silymarin (80%+), pharma-grade | EMA Compliance, GMP, ISO 17025 | 150kg | Norway, EU Pharma, Japan |
| Tromsø Natural Exports | 2003 | Bulk raw material, global trading | ISO 9001, FSSAI, SGS Certified | 500kg | Global (Norway, Asia, Africa) |
| Ålesund Herbals & Co. | 2018 | Small-batch, artisanal extracts | EU Organic, Fair Trade | 10kg | Norway, Local Retailers, Eco-Brands |
| Drammen Extractors Ltd | 2011 | Cosmetic-grade, water-soluble extracts | ISO 22716 (Cosmetics), GMP | 30kg | Norway, EU Cosmetics, USA |
| Lillehammer BioIngredients | 2007 | Sustainable sourcing, zero-waste production | EU Ecolabel, GMP, ISO 14001 | 75kg | Norway, Scandinavia, Benelux |
| Fredrikstad Botanicals Trading | 2014 | Import/export, global supplier network | ISO 9001, CITES Compliance | 100kg | Norway, International (via EU hubs) |
Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers in Norway: Detailed Profiles
1. NordicHerb Extracts AS – The Organic Pioneer
Founded in 2005 in the heart of Oslo, NordicHerb Extracts AS has built a reputation as Norway's go-to source for organic milk thistle extract. What sets them apart? A commitment to traceability that starts at the farm. They partner with certified organic growers in Southern Norway and Sweden, ensuring the milk thistle is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Their extraction process uses cold-press technology to preserve silymarin content, resulting in a powder that's standardized to 80% silymarin—ideal for high-potency supplements.
As a leading milk thistle extract manufacturer, NordicHerb offers both bulk quantities (starting at 50kg) and smaller custom batches. Their GMP-certified facility in Asker adheres to EU organic standards, and they're one of the few suppliers in Norway with NOP (USDA Organic) certification, making them a favorite for brands exporting to the U.S. Clients praise their responsive customer service and strict quality control: every batch comes with a detailed COA (Certificate of Analysis) and heavy metal testing reports.
Key Strengths: Organic focus, local sourcing, dual EU/NOP certification, small-batch flexibility.
2. Oslo Natural Ingredients Ltd – Pharma-Grade Precision
For pharmaceutical companies and high-end supplement brands, Oslo Natural Ingredients Ltd is the gold standard. Established in 2010, this manufacturer specializes in pharmaceutical grade milk thistle extract with silymarin concentrations up to 95%. Their facility in Lørenskog is FDA-registered and ISO 13485-certified, meaning their processes meet the strictest medical device and pharmaceutical standards.
Unlike many suppliers, Oslo Natural Ingredients invests heavily in R&D, working with the University of Oslo to develop innovative extraction methods that boost bioavailability. Their liquid extracts, in particular, are popular among formulators looking for fast-acting liver support supplements. They also offer custom encapsulation services, making them a one-stop shop for brands that want to outsource production entirely. With an MOQ of 100kg, they cater to mid-to-large scale producers, but their team is known for collaborating closely with clients to adjust formulations based on specific needs.
Key Strengths: Pharma-grade quality, high silymarin concentrations, R&D partnerships, custom formulation.
3. Bergen Botanicals Trading – The Bulk Wholesale Expert
If you're in need of bulk milk thistle extract at competitive prices, Bergen Botanicals Trading should be your first call. Founded in 2012, this wholesaler has built a global network of trusted farmers and extractors, allowing them to source high-quality raw materials and pass savings on to clients. Their sweet spot is large-scale orders (starting at 200kg), making them ideal for supplement brands with consistent demand or food manufacturers adding milk thistle to functional foods like energy bars.
Bergen Botanicals prides itself on transparency: they provide full traceability reports, including origin country, harvest date, and extraction method. Their product range includes both standard (70% silymarin) and organic (60% silymarin) powders, as well as oil-based extracts for cosmetic use. They're also certified Kosher and Halal, opening doors to niche markets. What clients love most? Their logistics expertise—they leverage Bergen's port to ensure fast shipping across Europe, with most orders arriving within 48 hours of dispatch.
Key Strengths: Bulk pricing, global sourcing, fast logistics, Kosher/Halal certification.
4. Trondheim Extract Solutions – The Cold-Press Specialist
Nestled in Trondheim's tech hub, Trondheim Extract Solutions has made a name for itself with innovative cold-press extraction. Founded in 2008, they argue that heat-based extraction can degrade silymarin, so they use a gentle, water-based process that maintains higher nutrient levels. The result? A milk thistle extract that's not only potent (75% silymarin) but also more soluble, making it easier to blend into beverages and liquid supplements.
Organic certification is a cornerstone of their business—they're certified by both EU Organic and NOP, and their facility runs on 100% renewable energy. With an MOQ of just 25kg, they're a great fit for small to medium brands, including startups. They also offer a unique "sample kit" for new clients, allowing them to test 500g batches before committing to larger orders. Recent expansions have added a dedicated R&D lab, where they're developing time-release milk thistle formulations for sustained liver support.
Key Strengths: Cold-press technology, high solubility, eco-friendly production, low MOQ.
5. Stavanger Health Ingredients AS – The High-Purity Leader
For brands that demand the highest silymarin content, Stavanger Health Ingredients AS delivers. Established in 2015, this relatively new player has quickly risen to prominence by specializing in ultra-pure milk thistle extract with silymarin concentrations of 80% and above. Their secret? A proprietary supercritical CO2 extraction method that isolates silymarin with minimal solvent use, resulting in a product that's 99% pure.
Based in Stavanger's industrial zone, their facility is EMA (European Medicines Agency) compliant, making them a top choice for pharmaceutical research and clinical trials. They also work closely with cosmetic brands, supplying a micronized powder that blends seamlessly into serums and creams (thanks to its small particle size). With an MOQ of 150kg, they cater to large-scale producers, but they're flexible for long-term partnerships, offering volume discounts for annual contracts.
Key Strengths: Ultra-high silymarin, CO2 extraction, EMA compliance, pharmaceutical research support.
6. Tromsø Natural Exports – The Global Trader
Tromsø Natural Exports isn't just a local supplier—it's a global player with roots in Norway. Founded in 2003, this trading company sources milk thistle extract from top manufacturers in Germany, Poland, and China, then distributes it to clients worldwide, including in Norway. Their strength lies in their network: by partnering with multiple producers, they can offer a wide range of products, from budget-friendly bulk powder (50% silymarin) to premium organic extracts.
What makes them reliable? Strict third-party testing. Every shipment is inspected by SGS, a leading certification company, to ensure it meets EU safety standards for heavy metals and pesticides. They also handle all import/export paperwork, simplifying the process for Norwegian brands ordering from abroad. With an MOQ of 500kg, they're best suited for large wholesalers and manufacturers, but they occasionally offer smaller "spot buys" for urgent orders.
Key Strengths: Global sourcing, competitive pricing, third-party testing, logistics expertise.
7. Ålesund Herbals & Co. – The Artisanal Choice
For brands focused on sustainability and storytelling, Ålesund Herbals & Co. is a standout. Founded in 2018 by a team of herbalists, this small-batch producer grows its own milk thistle on a family farm in Møre og Romsdal, using biodynamic farming practices. Their extraction is done on-site using traditional maceration (soaking the seeds in alcohol) followed by gentle evaporation, resulting in a rich, full-spectrum extract that retains not just silymarin, but other beneficial compounds like flavonoids.
With an MOQ of just 10kg, they're perfect for boutique supplement brands, natural food stores, and even local apothecaries. Their products are certified EU Organic and Fair Trade, and they're transparent about every step: you can even visit the farm to see the process firsthand. While their prices are higher than mass-produced extracts, clients say the quality and sustainability story are worth it—especially for brands targeting eco-conscious consumers.
Key Strengths: Biodynamic farming, small-batch artisanal production, Fair Trade certified, farm-to-bottle traceability.
8. Drammen Extractors Ltd – Cosmetic-Grade Innovators
Milk thistle extract isn't just for supplements—it's a rising star in skincare, thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Drammen Extractors Ltd, founded in 2011, specializes in cosmetic-grade extracts tailored for creams, serums, and masks. Their water-soluble formula is designed to penetrate the skin deeply, delivering silymarin to fight free radicals and soothe irritation.
Based in Drammen, their ISO 22716-certified facility is dedicated to cosmetic ingredients, so they understand the unique needs of beauty brands: low allergen risk, stable shelf life, and compatibility with other actives like hyaluronic acid. They offer both liquid and powder forms, and can customize the particle size for different applications (e.g., finer powder for serums, coarser for exfoliating masks). With an MOQ of 30kg, they're a favorite among mid-sized cosmetic companies in Norway and beyond.
Key Strengths: Cosmetic-grade focus, water-soluble formula, customizable textures, ISO 22716 certification.
9. Lillehammer BioIngredients – The Sustainable Producer
Sustainability isn't just a buzzword for Lillehammer BioIngredients—it's their mission. Founded in 2007, this manufacturer operates a zero-waste facility in Lillehammer, where even the byproducts of extraction (like seed hulls) are repurposed as animal feed. Their milk thistle extract is sourced from organic farms in Norway that use regenerative agriculture, and their packaging is 100% biodegradable.
Product-wise, they offer a balanced range: standard (70% silymarin) and organic (65% silymarin) powder, plus a unique "eco-blend" that combines milk thistle with other liver-supporting herbs like dandelion and artichoke. Their GMP-certified facility is also ISO 14001-certified for environmental management, and they're currently working toward B Corp certification. With an MOQ of 75kg, they cater to brands that want to align their products with Norway's strict sustainability goals.
Key Strengths: Zero-waste production, regenerative sourcing, eco-friendly packaging, herbal blends.
10. Fredrikstad Botanicals Trading – The Import-Export Specialist
Fredrikstad Botanicals Trading bridges the gap between global manufacturers and Norwegian buyers. Founded in 2014, this trading company partners with GMP-certified producers in India, Hungary, and Brazil to offer a diverse range of milk thistle extracts at competitive prices. Whether you need organic powder from India, pharmaceutical-grade liquid from Hungary, or bulk oil from Brazil, they can source it.
What makes them valuable? Local support. They have a team in Fredrikstad that handles customer service, quality control, and logistics, so you're never dealing with a distant supplier. They also offer "just-in-time" delivery, helping brands reduce inventory costs. With an MOQ of 100kg, they're ideal for mid-to-large manufacturers, and they frequently run promotions on overstock items, making it easy to save on bulk orders.
Key Strengths: Global network, diverse product range, local support, flexible pricing.
How to Choose the Right Supplier for Your Needs
- What's your application? Cosmetic brands may prioritize water-soluble or micronized extracts (try Drammen Extractors), while pharmaceutical companies need high-purity, EMA-compliant products (Oslo Natural Ingredients).
- Do you need organic certification? NordicHerb and Trondheim Extract Solutions are top picks for EU/NOP-certified extracts.
- What's your order size? Small brands (10-50kg) should consider Ålesund Herbals or Trondheim Extract Solutions; large-scale producers (500kg+) will benefit from Tromsø Natural Exports or Bergen Botanicals.
- Sustainability goals? Lillehammer BioIngredients and Ålesund Herbals lead in eco-friendly practices.
Remember, the best supplier isn't just a vendor—they're a partner. Look for companies that offer clear communication, detailed testing reports, and flexibility to adapt to your needs. With the right team behind you, you can confidently bring high-quality milk thistle products to Norway's discerning market.



