If you've ever delved into natural health supplements, skincare, or pharmaceutical ingredients, you've likely come across milk thistle extract—a powerhouse botanical celebrated for its liver-supporting properties and antioxidant benefits. As demand for high-quality, sustainably sourced botanical extracts grows globally, Albania has emerged as a hidden gem in the industry, thanks to its fertile landscapes, strict quality standards, and a network of dedicated suppliers. Whether you're a small business owner looking for bulk milk thistle extract to formulate supplements or a large-scale manufacturer in need of reliable raw materials, finding the right partner is key. In this guide, we're breaking down the top 10 milk thistle extract suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Albania, highlighting what makes each stand out in a competitive market.
Why Albania for Milk Thistle Extract?
Albania's Mediterranean climate, with its mild winters and sun-drenched summers, provides ideal conditions for growing milk thistle (Silybum marianum), the plant from which the extract is derived. The country's commitment to sustainable farming practices—many regions still use traditional, chemical-free cultivation methods—ensures that the milk thistle here is rich in silymarin, the active compound responsible for its health benefits. Additionally, Albania's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and the Balkans makes it a logistical hub for exporting to markets like the EU, North America, and the Middle East. When you source from Albanian suppliers, you're not just getting a product—you're tapping into a legacy of botanical expertise and a dedication to purity.
The Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers in Albania
1. Albanian Botanicals Ltd.
Company Overview
A household name in Albania's botanical extract scene, Albanian Botanicals Ltd. has been a trusted milk thistle extract manufacturer for over two decades. Based in Tirana, the company prides itself on vertical integration—from owning its own organic milk thistle farms in the Shkodra region to operating a state-of-the-art extraction facility. This hands-on approach allows them to control every step of the process, ensuring consistency and quality from seed to final product.
Product Range
Their star product is their standardized milk thistle extract, available in both powder and liquid forms, with silymarin concentrations ranging from 40% to 95%. They also offer organic-certified options, as well as bulk milk thistle extract tailored for dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and even cosmetic formulations. For clients needing smaller batches, they provide sample sizes, but their true strength lies in large-scale bulk orders.
Key Strengths
What sets Albanian Botanicals apart is their commitment to transparency. They provide detailed COA (Certificate of Analysis) for every batch, and their facility is GMP-certified, ensuring compliance with international pharmaceutical standards. Customers rave about their responsive customer service—whether you're a first-time buyer or a long-term partner, their team takes the time to understand your needs, from custom formulations to flexible delivery schedules.
Certifications
ISO 9001, GMP, Organic EU/USDA, Kosher, Halal
2. Tirana Natural Extracts Co.
Company Overview
Tirana Natural Extracts Co. is a family-run business that started as a small herb trader in the 1990s and has since grown into one of Albania's leading milk thistle extract wholesalers. Located just outside the capital, their warehouse and distribution center is strategically positioned to serve both local and international clients, with a focus on fast turnaround times and competitive pricing.
Product Range
While they don't manufacture the extract themselves, they partner with a network of trusted local farmers and GMP-certified manufacturers to source high quality milk thistle extract. Their catalog includes bulk powder (starting at 1kg orders), liquid extracts, and even pre-formulated blends for skincare and haircare products. They also specialize in private labeling, making them a favorite among startups looking to build their brand without the hassle of in-house production.
Key Strengths
Tirana Natural Extracts thrives on flexibility. They offer lower MOQs (Minimum Order Quantities) compared to many manufacturers, making them accessible for small businesses. Their team also has deep knowledge of international shipping regulations, ensuring that your bulk milk thistle extract arrives on time and compliant with destination country standards—whether you're shipping to Germany, the US, or Australia.
Certifications
ISO 22000 (Food Safety), GMP, Organic Certification
3. Shkodra Botanicals & Trading
Company Overview
Nestled in the scenic Shkodra region—known for its pristine mountain pastures and—Shkodra Botanicals & Trading is a manufacturer with a focus on "slow extraction" methods. They believe that traditional techniques, combined with modern quality control, yield the purest milk thistle extract. Founded in 2005, they've built a reputation for premium-grade products that cater to high-end supplement and cosmetic brands.
Product Range
Their flagship product is a cold-pressed milk thistle extract, which they claim preserves more silymarin and antioxidants than heat-based extraction methods. They offer this in both powder and liquid forms, with silymarin concentrations up to 90%. They also specialize in organic, wild-harvested milk thistle extract—sourced from plants grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers in the Shkodra mountains. For clients in the cosmetic industry, they provide tailored extracts for anti-aging serums and liver-support supplements.
Key Strengths
Shkodra Botanicals' commitment to sustainability is unmatched. They use solar power in their extraction facility, recycle water, and partner with local farmers who follow regenerative agriculture practices. Their cold-pressed method is a unique selling point, appealing to brands marketing "natural" or "artisanal" products. While their prices are slightly higher than mass-market suppliers, customers say the quality justifies the cost—especially for products targeting health-conscious consumers.
Certifications
EU Organic, USDA Organic, GMP, Ecocert
4. Durres Bulk Ingredients Ltd.
Company Overview
If you're in the market for bulk milk thistle extract at scale, Durres Bulk Ingredients Ltd. is a name to know. Based in the port city of Durres—Albania's largest seaport—they specialize in high-volume trading and distribution, serving clients across Europe, Asia, and Africa. With a warehouse capacity of over 500 tons, they're equipped to handle even the biggest orders, making them a go-to for multinational supplement companies.
Product Range
Their core offering is bulk milk thistle extract powder, with silymarin content ranging from 60% to 80%. They source from a network of GMP-certified manufacturers in Albania and neighboring countries, ensuring consistent quality across batches. They also provide customizable packaging—from 25kg drums to 1-ton supersacks—and can arrange for private labeling for clients who need ready-to-ship products.
Key Strengths
Durres Bulk Ingredients' biggest advantage is their logistics expertise. Located just minutes from the port, they can arrange for fast shipping via sea, air, or land, often with lead times as short as 5–7 days for European clients. They also offer competitive pricing for large orders, with discounts for MOQs over 100kg. Their customer service team speaks multiple languages, including English, German, and Arabic, making international communication seamless.
Certifications
ISO 9001, GMP, Halal
5. Vlora Herbal Extracts
Company Overview
Vlora Herbal Extracts is a mid-sized manufacturer based in the coastal city of Vlora, with a focus on combining traditional Albanian herbalism with modern extraction technology. Founded by a team of botanists and pharmacists, they're passionate about preserving the medicinal properties of milk thistle while meeting strict industrial standards.
Product Range
They offer a diverse range of milk thistle extract products, including standardized powder (40–95% silymarin), water-soluble extracts for beverages, and oil-based extracts for skincare. They also produce a unique "double-extracted" milk thistle extract, which they claim has higher bioavailability than standard extracts—a selling point for supplement brands focused on efficacy. In addition to bulk orders, they provide small-batch production for R&D purposes, making them popular with startups and research labs.
Key Strengths
Vlora Herbal Extracts stands out for their technical expertise. Their in-house lab conducts rigorous testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination, ensuring that every batch meets EU and FDA standards. They also offer custom extraction services—if you need a specific silymarin profile or a unique solvent, their team can develop a formula tailored to your needs. Their prices are mid-range, striking a balance between quality and affordability.
Certifications
GMP, ISO 17025 (Lab Testing), Organic EU
6. Berat Botanicals Trading
Company Overview
Berat—often called the "City of a Thousand Windows"—is not just a UNESCO World Heritage site; it's also home to Berat Botanicals Trading, a trader with a focus on connecting international buyers with small-scale Albanian milk thistle extract manufacturers. Founded in 2010, they act as a bridge between local producers and global markets, ensuring that even smaller farms and extractors get access to international clients.
Product Range
They offer a curated selection of milk thistle extract products, including organic and conventional options, with silymarin concentrations from 30% to 80%. They specialize in small to medium bulk orders (1–50kg), making them ideal for boutique supplement brands or businesses testing new products. They also provide sample packs, allowing clients to test multiple batches before committing to a large order.
Key Strengths
Berat Botanicals' strength lies in their network. They work with over 10 local manufacturers, each with unique specialties—from wild-harvested milk thistle to cold-pressed extracts. This allows them to offer a wide range of products without compromising on quality. They also handle all the logistics, from quality control to customs clearance, taking the stress out of international sourcing for their clients.
Certifications
Varies by partner (GMP, Organic, ISO), with COA provided for all products
7. Elbasan Extracts & Co.
Company Overview
Elbasan Extracts & Co. is a vertically integrated manufacturer located in the agricultural heartland of Elbasan. With their own 200-acre farm dedicated to milk thistle cultivation, they control every step of the process—from planting and harvesting to extraction and packaging. This vertical integration allows them to offer competitive pricing and consistent quality year-round.
Product Range
Their product line includes conventional and organic milk thistle extract powder (40–90% silymarin), as well as bulk liquid extract for use in tinctures and beverages. They also produce a "whole-plant" extract, which includes other beneficial compounds from the milk thistle plant, appealing to brands focused on holistic health. For wholesalers, they offer unbranded bulk packaging, making it easy to integrate into private-label products.
Key Strengths
Elbasan Extracts' farm-to-extract model ensures traceability—clients can even visit their farms to see the cultivation process firsthand. They're also known for their reliability; thanks to their own farm, they're less affected by seasonal fluctuations in milk thistle availability, ensuring steady supply even during peak demand. Their team includes agronomists who monitor crop health, ensuring that only the highest-quality plants are used for extraction.
Certifications
USDA Organic, EU Organic, GMP, ISO 22000
8. Korca Natural Ingredients
Company Overview
Korca Natural Ingredients is a wholesaler with a focus on "clean label" products. Based in the city of Korca—known for its craft beer and coffee—they've carved a niche in supplying milk thistle extract that's free from artificial additives, fillers, or preservatives. They cater primarily to natural food and supplement brands that prioritize ingredient transparency.
Product Range
Their catalog includes organic milk thistle extract powder (60–80% silymarin), as well as a "pure" extract with no carriers or excipients. They also offer bulk quantities of milk thistle seed oil, which is rich in essential fatty acids and used in skincare products. For clients looking to highlight sustainability, they provide extracts sourced from biodynamic farms in the Korca region.
Key Strengths
Korca Natural Ingredients' commitment to clean ingredients is evident in their rigorous testing process. Every batch is tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants, with results shared openly with clients. They also offer eco-friendly packaging options, such as recyclable drums and compostable bags, aligning with the values of green-focused brands. Their customer base includes many small to medium-sized businesses in Europe and North America, who appreciate their personalized approach and attention to detail.
Certifications
EU Organic, Clean Label Project Certified, GMP
9. Gjirokastra Bulk Traders
Company Overview
Gjirokastra Bulk Traders is a family-owned trading company with over 30 years of experience in the botanical extract industry. Based in the historic city of Gjirokastra, they've built a reputation for reliability and integrity, serving clients in over 20 countries. They specialize in bulk trading of milk thistle extract, working with a ｓｅｌｅｃｔ group of trusted manufacturers to ensure quality.
Product Range
They offer a wide range of milk thistle extract products, including standardized powder (40–95% silymarin), organic options, and bulk liquid extracts. They also provide custom blending services, allowing clients to mix milk thistle extract with other botanicals like turmeric or dandelion for specialized supplements. Their MOQ starts at 5kg, making them accessible for both small and large businesses.
Key Strengths
What makes Gjirokastra Bulk Traders stand out is their long-standing relationships with manufacturers. They've worked with the same partners for decades, ensuring consistent quality and preferential pricing, which they pass on to their clients. They also offer flexible payment terms, including letters of credit for international orders, and their team has extensive knowledge of import/export regulations, making cross-border transactions smooth.
Certifications
ISO 9001, GMP, Organic (depending on manufacturer)
10. Pogradec Herbal Solutions
Company Overview
Rounding out our list is Pogradec Herbal Solutions, a small-batch manufacturer with a focus on artisanal milk thistle extract. Located on the shores of Lake Ohrid—a UNESCO-protected lake known for its crystal-clear waters—they draw inspiration from the region's natural beauty to create premium extracts for niche markets.
Product Range
Their specialty is wild-harvested milk thistle extract, sourced from plants that grow naturally in the mountains around Lake Ohrid. They offer this in small bulk quantities (1–20kg), with silymarin concentrations up to 85%. They also produce a limited-edition "reserve" extract, made from the first harvest of the season, which is marketed as having higher antioxidant levels. Their products are popular with luxury skincare brands and high-end supplement lines.
Key Strengths
Pogradec Herbal Solutions' wild-harvested approach sets them apart. They work with local foragers who collect milk thistle sustainably, ensuring that the plants are not overharvested and the ecosystem is preserved. Their small-batch production allows for meticulous quality control, with each batch tested by a third-party lab. While they're not the best choice for large-scale bulk orders, they're perfect for brands looking to tell a unique, nature-focused story with their products.
Certifications
Wild Harvested Certification, Organic EU, GMP
Comparison Table: Top Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers in Albania
| Company Name | Type | Main Products | Certifications | MOQ | Bulk Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albanian Botanicals Ltd. | Manufacturer | Standardized powder (40–95% silymarin), organic options | ISO 9001, GMP, Organic EU/USDA | 5kg (samples available) | High (1000+ kg/month) |
| Tirana Natural Extracts Co. | Wholesaler | Bulk powder, liquid extracts, private labeling | ISO 22000, GMP | 1kg | Medium (500+ kg/month) |
| Shkodra Botanicals & Trading | Manufacturer | Cold-pressed extract, wild-harvested options | EU Organic, USDA Organic, Ecocert | 10kg | Medium (300+ kg/month) |
| Durres Bulk Ingredients Ltd. | Trader/Wholesaler | Bulk powder (60–80% silymarin), customizable packaging | ISO 9001, GMP | 50kg | Very High (5000+ kg/month) |
| Vlora Herbal Extracts | Manufacturer | Standardized powder, water-soluble extracts, double-extracted options | GMP, ISO 17025 | 1kg (R&D batches available) | Medium (400+ kg/month) |
| Berat Botanicals Trading | Trader | Curated organic/conventional extracts, sample packs | Varies by partner (COA provided) | 1kg | Low-Medium (200+ kg/month) |
| Elbasan Extracts & Co. | Manufacturer | Farm-grown extract, whole-plant extract, seed oil | USDA Organic, EU Organic, ISO 22000 | 5kg | High (800+ kg/month) |
| Korca Natural Ingredients | Wholesaler | Clean label powder, seed oil, biodynamic options | EU Organic, Clean Label Project Certified | 5kg | Medium (300+ kg/month) |
| Gjirokastra Bulk Traders | Trader | Standardized powder, custom blends | ISO 9001, GMP | 5kg | High (600+ kg/month) |
| Pogradec Herbal Solutions | Manufacturer | Wild-harvested extract, reserve edition | Wild Harvested Certification, Organic EU | 1kg | Low (100+ kg/month) |
How to Choose the Right Milk Thistle Extract Partner in Albania
With so many options, selecting the right milk thistle extract supplier can feel overwhelming. Here are a few key factors to consider:
- Your Needs: Are you looking for bulk milk thistle extract for large-scale production, or small batches for testing? Manufacturers like Albanian Botanicals or Elbasan Extracts are better for bulk, while wholesalers like Tirana Natural Extracts or traders like Berat Botanicals cater to smaller orders.
- Certifications: If you're selling organic or pharmaceutical-grade products, prioritize suppliers with EU/USDA Organic, GMP, or ISO certifications. Always ask for a COA to verify purity and silymarin content.
- Sustainability: Brands focused on eco-friendly practices should look for suppliers like Shkodra Botanicals (solar-powered facilities) or Pogradec Herbal Solutions (wild-harvested, sustainable foraging).
- Logistics: For international shipping, consider location—suppliers in Durres (like Durres Bulk Ingredients) have easier access to ports, while those in Tirana may offer faster delivery to landlocked European countries.
- Customer Service: A responsive team can make a big difference, especially if you need custom formulations or help with import regulations. Many Albanian suppliers pride themselves on personalized service, so don't hesitate to ask questions before committing.
At the end of the day, the best supplier is one that aligns with your brand's values, quality standards, and budget. Whether you're a startup launching your first supplement or a multinational corporation scaling production, Albania's network of milk thistle extract suppliers has something to offer.
