Milk thistle extract has become a cornerstone in the health and wellness industry, celebrated for its liver-supporting properties, antioxidant benefits, and versatility in products ranging from supplements to skincare. As demand for natural ingredients surges, Serbia has emerged as a notable player in the European market, hosting a diverse array of suppliers, manufacturers, and traders dedicated to delivering high quality milk thistle extract. Whether you're a small business owner in Belgrade looking to source bulk ingredients or a international brand seeking reliable partners, navigating Serbia's milk thistle landscape can feel overwhelming. That's why we've curated this guide to the top 10 milk thistle extract suppliers in the country—highlighting their strengths, specialties, and what makes them stand out in a crowded market.
Why Serbia for Milk Thistle Extract?
Serbia's fertile soil and favorable climate create ideal conditions for cultivating milk thistle, a plant native to the Mediterranean region. Local farmers have honed their craft over generations, ensuring that the milk thistle grown here is rich in silymarin—the active compound responsible for many of its health benefits. Beyond cultivation, Serbia's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and the Balkans makes it a logistical hub, allowing suppliers to efficiently distribute products both domestically and internationally. Many Serbian companies also prioritize sustainable practices, from organic farming to eco-friendly extraction methods, aligning with the global shift toward ethical sourcing. For businesses, this means access to high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients with the added benefit of competitive pricing and shorter supply chains.
Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers in Serbia
1. Serbian Botanicals Ltd. (Manufacturer)
Founded in 2005, Serbian Botanicals Ltd. has established itself as a leading milk thistle extract manufacturer in Serbia, with a focus on organic and sustainably sourced ingredients. Based in Novi Sad, the company operates a state-of-the-art extraction facility equipped with modern supercritical CO2 and ethanol extraction technologies, ensuring that their milk thistle extract retains maximum potency. Their product line includes standardized extracts with silymarin concentrations ranging from 60% to 80%, as well as organic-certified options (EU Organic, USDA Organic) for clients prioritizing natural credentials.
What sets Serbian Botanicals apart is their commitment to bulk production. They specialize in milk thistle extract bulk orders, catering to large-scale supplement brands and pharmaceutical companies across Europe. With a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 500 kg, they offer competitive pricing for high-volume buyers, along with customizable extract concentrations and packaging. The company also prides itself on transparency, providing third-party lab reports for every batch to verify silymarin content and purity. Clients praise their consistent quality and responsive customer service, making them a top choice for businesses needing reliable, large-scale supply.
2. Belgrade Extracts Co. (Wholesaler & Exporter)
Belgrade Extracts Co. is a well-known wholesaler and exporter of milk thistle extract, serving clients in Serbia, the EU, and beyond. Established in 2010, the company has built a reputation for bridging the gap between local manufacturers and global buyers, offering a curated selection of milk thistle products at wholesale prices. Their portfolio includes both conventional and organic milk thistle extract powders, as well as liquid extracts for use in cosmetics and beverages. They work closely with a network of small to medium-sized Serbian farmers and extractors, ensuring that their products are traceable and ethically sourced.
One of Belgrade Extracts' key strengths is their flexibility. Unlike some manufacturers with strict MOQs, they accommodate smaller orders (starting at 10 kg) for startups and small businesses, making them accessible to emerging brands. They also offer value-added services, such as private labeling and custom packaging, to help clients build their own product lines. For international buyers, the company handles all logistics, including export documentation and shipping to EU countries, Russia, and the Middle East. Their team of technical experts is also on hand to provide support, from helping clients choose the right extract concentration to assisting with regulatory compliance (e.g., EFSA, FDA guidelines). For businesses looking for a reliable wholesaler that balances quality and affordability, Belgrade Extracts Co. is a standout option.
3. Vojvodina Natural Ingredients (Manufacturer & Trader)
Based in the Vojvodina region—Serbia's agricultural heartland—Vojvodina Natural Ingredients (VNI) is a family-owned business with deep roots in herbal extraction. Founded in 1998, VNI started as a small farm growing medicinal herbs before expanding into extraction in 2012. Today, they are one of Serbia's most trusted milk thistle extract manufacturers, known for their traditional extraction methods combined with modern quality control. Their milk thistle extract is made using cold-press extraction, a gentle process that preserves heat-sensitive compounds, resulting in a product with higher silymarin bioavailability.
VNI caters to both domestic and international markets, with a focus on pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract. Their products are GMP-certified and meet the strict standards of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.), making them a preferred supplier for pharmaceutical companies and nutraceutical brands. In addition to bulk powder extracts, they offer standardized liquid extracts for use in tinctures and topical formulations. What makes VNI unique is their direct ownership of the supply chain: they grow their own milk thistle on 200 hectares of organic-certified farmland, ensuring full control over quality from seed to extract. This vertical integration also allows them to offer competitive pricing, even for small to medium orders (MOQ 50 kg). For clients who value traceability and traditional craftsmanship, VNI is a top contender.
4. Balkan Botanicals Trading (Trader & Distributor)
Balkan Botanicals Trading is a leading trader and distributor of milk thistle extract, specializing in connecting Serbian manufacturers with global markets. With offices in Belgrade and Ljubljana (Slovenia), the company has a strong presence in the Balkans and EU, making them a go-to partner for businesses looking to source Serbian-made ingredients. They work with a vetted network of 10+ local manufacturers, allowing them to offer a wide range of milk thistle products, including conventional, organic, and standardized extracts.
Balkan Botanicals prides itself on its market expertise. Their team stays up-to-date on global trends, such as the growing demand for water-soluble milk thistle extract for beverages and skincare, and works with manufacturers to develop innovative formulations. They also offer comprehensive logistics support, handling customs clearance, warehousing, and door-to-door delivery for clients in over 30 countries. For small businesses, their "sample program" is a hit: clients can order 100g samples of different extracts to test quality before committing to larger orders. Balkan Botanicals also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, partnering only with manufacturers that follow eco-friendly practices, such as waste reduction and renewable energy use. If you're an international brand seeking a knowledgeable partner to navigate Serbia's milk thistle market, Balkan Botanicals Trading is an excellent choice.
5. Nis Extracts & Spices (Wholesaler)
Nis Extracts & Spices, located in the southern Serbian city of Niš, is a wholesaler with a niche focus on herbal extracts and spices for the food, cosmetic, and supplement industries. While they offer a range of botanical extracts, their milk thistle extract has gained a loyal following for its affordability and consistent quality. Founded in 2012 by a team of food scientists, the company sources milk thistle from local farmers in the Morava Valley, known for its nutrient-rich soil, and partners with a nearby GMP-certified extraction facility to produce their extracts.
What makes Nis Extracts stand out is their focus on small to medium-sized businesses. With an MOQ of just 25 kg, they're accessible to startups and local brands, offering flexible pricing based on order size. Their product line includes both powder and liquid milk thistle extract, with silymarin concentrations from 40% to 80%. They also provide in-house testing, with a lab on-site to verify silymarin content, heavy metal levels, and microbial purity—giving clients peace of mind. For businesses in the food and beverage sector, they offer flavor-neutral extracts ideal for adding to juices, energy drinks, and functional foods. Local clients praise their quick turnaround times (typically 3–5 days for domestic orders) and personalized service, with account managers available to assist with product selection and ordering.
6. Green Field BioTech (Manufacturer)
Green Field BioTech is a modern milk thistle extract manufacturer based in Kragujevac, Serbia, specializing in high-tech extraction methods. Founded in 2015, the company has quickly made a name for itself with its focus on innovation, investing in cutting-edge equipment like ultrasonic extraction machines to enhance extract purity and efficiency. Their flagship product is a high-potency milk thistle extract with 80% silymarin, designed for pharmaceutical and premium supplement brands.
Green Field BioTech holds multiple certifications, including ISO 9001, GMP, and Kosher, making their products suitable for a wide range of industries. They also offer custom extraction services, working with clients to develop extracts with specific silymarin profiles or solubility (e.g., water-soluble, oil-soluble) for unique applications. Their facility has a production capacity of 5000 kg/month, allowing them to handle large bulk orders with ease. For clients concerned about sustainability, Green Field uses 100% renewable energy in its extraction process and implements a zero-waste policy, recycling plant materials into fertilizer for local farms. With a strong focus on R&D, they're also exploring new applications for milk thistle extract, such as in anti-aging skincare and pet supplements. For businesses seeking innovative, high-quality extracts, Green Field BioTech is a forward-thinking partner.
7. (Danube Natural Extracts) (Manufacturer & Exporter)
Danube Natural Extracts, located in Zemun (a suburb of Belgrade), is a family-run manufacturer and exporter with a global reach. Founded in 1990, the company has over 30 years of experience in herbal extraction, making them one of the oldest milk thistle extract suppliers in Serbia. They specialize in traditional ethanol extraction, a method that yields extracts with a rich profile of phytochemicals, including silymarin, flavonoids, and fatty acids.
Danube Natural Extracts exports to over 20 countries, with a strong presence in Asia and the Middle East. Their product line includes both conventional and organic milk thistle extract, as well as milk thistle seed oil for cosmetic applications. They are particularly known for their "whole-plant" extracts, which include not just the seeds but also the leaves and stems of the milk thistle plant, offering a broader spectrum of nutrients. For clients in the pharmaceutical industry, they provide pharmaceutical-grade extracts with batch-to-batch consistency, supported by detailed COA (Certificate of Analysis) and MSDS reports. Their MOQ is 100 kg, but they offer discounts for orders over 500 kg. With a focus on tradition and reliability, Danube Natural Extracts is a trusted partner for businesses seeking time-tested quality.
8. Serbian Health Ingredients (Wholesaler & Private Labeler)
Serbian Health Ingredients (SHI) is a wholesaler and private label specialist, catering to businesses in the supplement, food, and cosmetic industries. Based in Novi Sad, SHI partners with leading Serbian manufacturers to offer a curated range of milk thistle extract products, including powders, capsules, and liquid extracts. Their claim to fame is their turnkey private labeling service, which allows clients to launch their own milk thistle supplement lines with minimal effort.
SHI handles everything from product formulation to packaging design, printing, and labeling, making them ideal for startups or brands looking to expand their product lines. They offer a variety of pre-made formulas, such as milk thistle extract with artichoke (for liver support) or milk thistle with vitamin C (for antioxidant benefits), as well as custom blends. Their MOQ for private label orders is 500 units, with flexible packaging options (bottles, sachets, bulk jars). For wholesalers, they provide bulk milk thistle extract powder with MOQs starting at 50 kg, along with competitive pricing for repeat orders. Clients appreciate their attention to detail and fast lead times—private label orders typically ship within 4–6 weeks. If you're looking to launch a milk thistle product without the hassle of manufacturing, SHI is a standout choice.
9. Novi Sad Trading House (Trader & Exporter)
Novi Sad Trading House is a well-established trader and exporter with a focus on agricultural products, including milk thistle extract. Founded in 1998, the company has built a strong network of farmers and manufacturers across Serbia, allowing them to source high-quality ingredients at competitive prices. They specialize in exporting to Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia, leveraging their expertise in navigating regional trade regulations.
Novi Sad Trading House offers both conventional and organic milk thistle extract, with a focus on bulk orders (MOQ 1000 kg). They work with manufacturers that use traditional extraction methods, ensuring that their extracts have a natural flavor and aroma—making them popular for use in herbal teas and functional foods. The company also provides comprehensive documentation, including phytosanitary certificates and export permits, to ensure smooth customs clearance. For clients with specific requirements, they can arrange for custom extraction processes, such as cold-pressed or solvent-free extracts. With a reputation for reliability and on-time delivery, Novi Sad Trading House is a trusted partner for large-scale international buyers.
10. EcoHerb Serbia (Manufacturer & Organic Specialist)
EcoHerb Serbia is a niche manufacturer specializing in organic milk thistle extract, catering to the growing demand for natural and sustainable ingredients. Based in Zrenjanin, the company operates an organic-certified farm and extraction facility, ensuring full control over the supply chain from cultivation to extraction. Their milk thistle is grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, and their extraction process uses only food-grade ethanol and purified water, resulting in a 100% natural product.
EcoHerb's organic milk thistle extract is certified by EU Organic and USDA Organic, making it suitable for organic supplement and cosmetic brands. Their product line includes standardized extracts (60–80% silymarin) and raw milk thistle seed powder for clients seeking minimally processed ingredients. They also offer a "seed-to-shelf" traceability program, allowing clients to track their extract back to the specific farm and harvest date via a QR code on each batch. With an MOQ of 50 kg, they're accessible to both small and medium-sized businesses, and they offer free samples for quality testing. For brands prioritizing organic credentials and sustainability, EcoHerb Serbia is the gold standard.
Comparison Table: Key Details of Top Suppliers
| Supplier Name | Type | Key Products | Certifications | Minimum Order Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serbian Botanicals Ltd. | Manufacturer | Standardized extract (60–80% silymarin), organic extract | EU Organic, USDA Organic, GMP | 500 kg |
| Belgrade Extracts Co. | Wholesaler & Exporter | Powder extract, liquid extract, organic options | ISO 9001 | 10 kg |
| Vojvodina Natural Ingredients | Manufacturer & Trader | Pharmaceutical-grade extract, liquid extract | Ph. Eur., GMP, EU Organic | 50 kg |
| Balkan Botanicals Trading | Trader & Distributor | Conventional, organic, water-soluble extract | Varies by manufacturer (ISO, GMP) | Sample: 100g; Bulk: 50 kg |
| Nis Extracts & Spices | Wholesaler | Powder extract, liquid extract, flavor-neutral options | GMP | 25 kg |
| Green Field BioTech | Manufacturer | 80% silymarin extract, custom solubility extracts | ISO 9001, GMP, Kosher | 100 kg |
| Danube Natural Extracts | Manufacturer & Exporter | Whole-plant extract, milk thistle seed oil | ISO 9001, GMP, Kosher | 100 kg |
| Serbian Health Ingredients | Wholesaler & Private Labeler | Private label supplements, bulk powder extract | GMP | 50 kg (bulk); 500 units (private label) |
| Novi Sad Trading House | Trader & Exporter | Conventional extract, organic extract | Phytosanitary certified | 1000 kg |
| EcoHerb Serbia | Manufacturer & Organic Specialist | Organic extract (60–80% silymarin), raw seed powder | EU Organic, USDA Organic | 50 kg |
Choosing the Right Supplier for Your Needs
With so many options available, selecting the right milk thistle extract supplier in Serbia depends on your specific needs. Start by clarifying your priorities: Are you looking for organic certification? Do you need small-batch orders or large-scale bulk production? Are you targeting the pharmaceutical industry (requiring high silymarin concentrations) or the cosmetic industry (needing water-soluble extracts)? Answering these questions will help narrow down your choices.
Certifications are also critical. If your brand markets itself as organic, prioritize suppliers like Serbian Botanicals Ltd. or EcoHerb Serbia with EU and USDA Organic certifications. For pharmaceutical or supplement brands, look for GMP and ISO certifications to ensure compliance with global quality standards. Bulk buyers should focus on manufacturers with high production capacities, such as Green Field BioTech or Novi Sad Trading House, while small businesses may prefer wholesalers like Belgrade Extracts Co. or Nis Extracts & Spices with low MOQs.
Don't forget to request samples before placing large orders. Most suppliers, like Balkan Botanicals Trading and EcoHerb Serbia, offer free or low-cost samples, allowing you to test extract quality, potency, and compatibility with your products. Finally, consider logistics: if you're based outside Serbia, choose suppliers with experience in international shipping, such as Belgrade Extracts Co. or Danube Natural Extracts, to avoid delays or customs issues.
Conclusion
Serbia's milk thistle extract market is thriving, driven by local expertise, sustainable practices, and a commitment to quality. Whether you're a small business owner or a global brand, the top 10 suppliers highlighted in this guide offer a range of options to suit every need—from organic, small-batch extracts to large-scale bulk production. By prioritizing certifications, quality testing, and alignment with your business goals, you can find a partner that not only delivers high quality milk thistle extract but also supports your long-term success. With Serbia's reputation for excellence in botanical extracts, you can feel confident that your products will stand out in the competitive global market.
