If you've ever picked up a bottle of eye health supplements or scanned the ingredients list of a functional food, you've probably come across lutein. This golden-hued carotenoid, found naturally in leafy greens and marigold flowers, is like a silent guardian for your eyes—shielding them from harsh blue light, reducing age-related macular degeneration risk, and keeping your vision sharp as the years pass. But here's the thing: not all lutein is created equal. To unlock its full benefits—whether you're formulating a supplement, adding it to a beverage, or creating a pharmaceutical product—you need a supplier who prioritizes purity, consistency, and quality. And in Burkina Faso, a country increasingly making its mark in the natural ingredients market, a new wave of suppliers is rising to meet this demand.
Burkina Faso might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of lutein production, but its fertile soil, particularly in regions like the Mossi Plateau and the Sudanian savanna, is ideal for growing marigolds—the primary source of commercial lutein. Local suppliers here aren't just businesses; they're part of a movement to make high-quality, affordable lutein accessible to West African markets and beyond. From small-batch organic extractors to large-scale wholesalers distributing to neighboring countries, these companies are bridging the gap between nature's bounty and the products that support our health. So, whether you're a startup supplement brand in Ouagadougou, a food manufacturer in Accra, or a trader looking to source regionally, let's dive into the top 10 lutein suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Burkina Faso that are worth your attention.
Why Lutein Matters: A Quick Refresher
Before we meet the suppliers, let's take a moment to appreciate why lutein is more than just another ingredient. Paired with its cousin zeaxanthin, lutein is one of the few carotenoids that accumulates in the macula—a tiny part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision. Together, they act as natural antioxidants, neutralizing harmful free radicals that can damage eye cells over time. Studies have even linked higher lutein intake to reduced risk of cataracts and improved contrast sensitivity, making it a staple in eye health products worldwide. And it's not just for eyes: emerging research suggests lutein may support skin health and cognitive function too. But to reap these benefits, the lutein in your products needs to be potent, pure, and free from contaminants. That's where reliable suppliers step in.
Top 10 Lutein Suppliers in Burkina Faso: At a Glance
| Company Name | Type | Key Products | Certifications | Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burkina Lutein Extractors Ltd. | Manufacturer/Supplier | Organic lutein powder (5-20% concentration), marigold extracts | ISO 22000, Organic Burkina Faso | 1 kg |
| Sahel Natural Ingredients | Wholesaler/Trader | Bulk lutein beads, lutein-zeaxanthin blends, raw marigold petals | GMP, Halal | 50 kg |
| Ouagadougou Nutraceuticals | Manufacturer | Pharmaceutical-grade lutein (90% purity), custom supplement formulations | ISO 9001, WHO-GMP | 10 kg |
| Green Harvest Burkina | Supplier/Exporter | Non-GMO lutein powder, organic marigold oil extracts | USDA Organic, Fair Trade | 25 kg |
| Plateau Bioactives | Manufacturer/Wholesaler | Lutein microencapsulated powder, liquid lutein suspensions | ISO 13485, Kosher | 5 kg |
| Niger Valley Ingredients | Trader/Supplier | Imported lutein raw materials, local marigold-based extracts | – | 100 kg |
| Burkina Organics Co. | Supplier | 100% organic lutein powder, cold-pressed marigold extracts | ECOCERT, Organic EU | 2 kg |
| West African Nutra Exports | Exporter/Wholesaler | Bulk lutein (10-30% concentration), lutein-zeaxanthin premixes | ISO 22000, Halal | 100 kg |
| Savanna Lutein Works | Manufacturer | Low-cost lutein powder, marigold residue fertilizer (by-product) | – | 500 kg |
| Mossi Plateau Extractors | Supplier/Manufacturer | Small-batch artisanal lutein, organic marigold tea blends | Organic Burkina Faso | 500 g |
Meet the Suppliers: Who They Are and What They Offer
1. Burkina Lutein Extractors Ltd.
Founded in 2015, Burkina Lutein Extractors Ltd. (BLEL) is a pioneer in organic lutein production in Burkina Faso. Based in Koudougou, a city known for its agricultural innovation, BLEL grows its own marigold flowers on 50 acres of certified organic farmland in the Mossi Plateau. What sets them apart? Their cold-press extraction method, which uses minimal heat to preserve lutein's potency. "Heat can break down lutein molecules, so we stick to cold pressing," explains CEO Amadou Ouédraogo. "It takes longer, but the result is a brighter, more stable powder." BLEL's products range from 5% to 20% lutein concentration, making them ideal for small supplement brands and local herbalists. They also offer custom blends with zeaxanthin, tapping into the lutein and zeaxanthin benefits that consumers increasingly seek. With certifications like ISO 22000 and Organic Burkina Faso, BLEL prioritizes transparency—they even invite clients to tour their farms and extraction facility. MOQ is just 1 kg, making them a favorite for startups.
2. Sahel Natural Ingredients
If you're looking to buy in bulk, Sahel Natural Ingredients is your go-to wholesaler. Established in 2010 in Ouagadougou, this family-owned business started by importing lutein from India but quickly shifted to sourcing locally, partnering with marigold farmers in Bobo-Dioulasso to reduce costs and support the local economy. Today, they specialize in distributing bulk lutein beads (easy to mix into supplements), lutein-zeaxanthin blends, and even raw marigold petals for DIY extractors. "We cater to everyone from big pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria to small food manufacturers in Togo," says operations manager Fatoumata Sanogo. "Our sweet spot is 50 kg orders—enough to keep production lines running without overwhelming storage." Sahel holds GMP and Halal certifications, ensuring their products meet strict safety standards, and they pride themselves on fast turnaround times (typically 3-5 days for in-country orders). For traders looking to export, they also handle logistics to ports in Abidjan and Lomé.
3. Ouagadougou Nutraceuticals
When precision matters, Ouagadougou Nutraceuticals delivers. This pharmaceutical-grade manufacturer, founded in 2018, produces lutein with a staggering 90% purity—among the highest in West Africa. Located in the industrial zone of Ouagadougou, their facility is equipped with HPLC machines for rigorous quality testing and cleanrooms that meet WHO-GMP standards. "We work with hospitals, ophthalmologists, and large supplement brands who need consistent, high-potency lutein," says head of R&D Dr. Mariam Diallo. "Our clients aren't just buying an ingredient; they're buying peace of mind." In addition to pure lutein powder, they offer custom formulations—think lutein capsules, tablets, or even eye drops—making them a one-stop shop for finished products. While their MOQ is 10 kg, they're willing to negotiate for long-term partnerships. For anyone creating a best lutein supplement , Ouagadougou Nutraceuticals is a name to remember.
4. Green Harvest Burkina
Sustainability is at the core of Green Harvest Burkina's mission. This supplier, based in Banfora, works with over 200 smallholder farmers to grow non-GMO marigolds using rainwater irrigation and organic fertilizers. "Our farmers are our partners," says founder Ibrahim Traoré. "We pay them a fair price, and in return, they deliver the highest-quality flowers." Green Harvest's flagship product is their non-GMO lutein powder (10-15% concentration), but they also produce marigold oil extracts for skincare and cosmetics. Certified by USDA Organic and Fair Trade, they export to Ghana, Senegal, and even Europe, where demand for ethically sourced ingredients is booming. Their MOQ is 25 kg, but they offer discounts for orders over 100 kg. For brands that want to tell a story—of supporting rural communities and protecting the planet—Green Harvest's lutein comes with a narrative as compelling as its quality.
5. Plateau Bioactives
Microencapsulation is Plateau Bioactives' secret weapon. Based in Ouahigouya, this manufacturer coats lutein powder in a plant-based shell, making it more stable in liquids and easier to absorb by the body. "Traditional lutein can break down in acidic drinks or during digestion," explains technical director Paul Ouedraogo. "Our microencapsulated powder solves that—perfect for smoothies, energy drinks, or children's supplements." They also produce liquid suspensions for use in pharmaceuticals and eye drops. With ISO 13485 certification (a standard for medical devices), Plateau Bioactives is trusted by healthcare companies across West Africa. Their MOQ is 5 kg, and they offer free samples to new clients. For innovators looking to add lutein to non-traditional products, this is the supplier to call.
6. Niger Valley Ingredients
Niger Valley Ingredients is all about flexibility. As a trader and supplier based in Niamey (with a warehouse in Ouagadougou), they source both local and imported lutein to meet diverse needs. "Some clients want budget-friendly, imported raw materials; others prefer locally grown marigold extracts," says owner Aminata Sow. "We don't lock anyone into one option." Their product line includes bulk lutein powder (5-30% concentration), raw marigold meal, and even lutein-rich animal feed additives. While they don't hold formal certifications, they provide COAs (Certificates of Analysis) for every batch. MOQ is 100 kg, but they're happy to mix and match products to hit that threshold. For large-scale manufacturers who need a steady, no-fuss supply, Niger Valley Ingredients delivers.
7. Burkina Organics Co.
For the eco-conscious buyer, Burkina Organics Co. is a gem. This small-batch supplier, run by a team of environmental scientists in Bobo-Dioulasso, focuses solely on 100% organic lutein. They grow marigolds without synthetic pesticides, use solar-powered extractors, and package their products in compostable bags. "We believe sustainability shouldn't be a luxury," says founder Sophie Kabore. "Our organic lutein is priced to compete with conventional options, so more brands can choose green." Their cold-pressed extracts are particularly popular with natural skincare companies, who value the vibrant yellow hue and antioxidant properties. Certified by ECOCERT and Organic EU, Burkina Organics has an MOQ of just 2 kg—perfect for indie brands and artisans. If you're crafting a product that screams "clean" and "green," this is your supplier.
8. West African Nutra Exports
West African Nutra Exports (WANE) is all about scale. With a warehouse in Ouagadougou and distribution hubs in Lagos and Abidjan, WANE exports bulk lutein to 12 countries across West and Central Africa. "We buy directly from 10+ local manufacturers, so we can offer competitive prices and large quantities," explains export manager Kofi Adjei. Their product range includes standard lutein powder (10-30% concentration), premixed blends with zeaxanthin (a common pairing to maximize lutein and zeaxanthin benefits ), and even lutein-infused probiotic mixes. Certified ISO 22000 and Halal, WANE prides itself on reliability—they guarantee delivery within 7 days for in-region orders. MOQ is 100 kg, but they offer tiered pricing for orders over 500 kg. For traders and large manufacturers, WANE is a powerhouse partner.
9. Savanna Lutein Works
Savanna Lutein Works is on a mission to make lutein affordable for everyone. Based in Fada N'Gourma, this manufacturer focuses on low-cost production by using efficient extraction methods and repurposing marigold residues as fertilizer (sold separately to local farmers). "We cut costs without cutting corners," says general manager Yacouba Zongo. "Our lutein is 85% pure, tested for heavy metals, and priced 20% below the regional average." Their main product is bulk lutein powder, with MOQ starting at 500 kg—ideal for animal feed producers, large food manufacturers, or traders exporting to price-sensitive markets. While they don't have fancy certifications, they're transparent about their process and welcome third-party testing. For buyers prioritizing cost without sacrificing basic quality, Savanna Lutein Works delivers.
10. Mossi Plateau Extractors
Last but not least, Mossi Plateau Extractors is for the artisanal crowd. This family-run business, located in Ziniaré, grows marigolds on a small, 10-acre farm and produces lutein using traditional, small-batch extraction methods. "We're not the biggest, but we're the most hands-on," says owner Marie Sawadogo. "Every batch is tested by my husband, a chemist, and we only sell what we'd put in our own supplements." Their products include small-batch lutein powder (10-15% concentration) and even organic marigold tea blends (a niche but growing market for those who prefer to get their lutein through food). With an MOQ of just 500 g, they're perfect for herbalists, boutique supplement brands, or anyone wanting to sample before committing to larger orders. Certified Organic Burkina Faso, Mossi Plateau Extractors offers a personal touch that big suppliers can't match.
What to Look for in a Lutein Supplier: Key Factors
Now that you've met the top suppliers, how do you choose the right one for your needs? Here are a few key factors to keep in mind:
- Certifications Matter: Certifications like ISO, GMP, or Organic aren't just logos—they're proof that a supplier follows strict quality and safety standards. If you're selling to health-conscious consumers or pharmaceutical clients, look for suppliers with third-party certifications to back up their claims.
- Source Transparency: Where does the marigold come from? Is it locally grown, or imported? Suppliers who can trace their ingredients back to the farm (like Green Harvest Burkina or Burkina Organics Co.) often offer fresher, more consistent products.
- Testing Protocols: Ask about how the supplier tests their lutein for purity, potency, and contaminants (like heavy metals or pesticides). Reputable suppliers will provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every batch, so you know exactly what you're getting.
- Flexibility: Do they offer custom concentrations or blends? Can they adjust MOQs for long-term partnerships? Suppliers like Sahel Natural Ingredients and Niger Valley Ingredients excel here, making them great for businesses with unique needs.
- Sustainability and Ethics: More consumers than ever care about how ingredients are made. Suppliers who prioritize organic farming, fair labor practices, or eco-friendly packaging (like Burkina Organics Co.) can help your brand stand out in a crowded market.
Final Thoughts: Lutein in Burkina Faso—More Than Just an Ingredient
Lutein isn't just a carotenoid; it's a bridge between nature and health. And in Burkina Faso, the suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders behind this ingredient are doing more than selling a product—they're building a industry that supports local farmers, drives innovation, and makes quality nutrition accessible. Whether you're looking for organic, pharmaceutical-grade, bulk, or small-batch lutein, the options here are as diverse as the needs they serve.
So, as you embark on your search, remember: the best supplier isn't just the one with the lowest price. It's the one who aligns with your values, understands your goals, and delivers consistent quality, batch after batch. And in Burkina Faso, that supplier is out there—waiting to help you bring the benefits of lutein to the world.
