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

Milk thistle extract, derived from the seeds of the Silybum marianum plant, has long been celebrated for its remarkable health benefits—most notably for liver support, thanks to its active compound silymarin. But its uses don't stop there: from dietary supplements and herbal remedies to skincare products and pharmaceutical formulations, this golden-hued extract has become a staple in industries worldwide. And when it comes to sourcing high-quality milk thistle extract, Greece stands out as a region with a rich tradition of herbal cultivation and extraction, leveraging its Mediterranean climate to grow robust, potent milk thistle plants.

Whether you're a small business owner looking to create a new line of liver-support supplements, a cosmetics brand seeking natural ingredients for your skincare range, or a large-scale manufacturer in need of bulk quantities, finding the right supplier is key. That's why we've put together this guide to the top 10 milk thistle extract suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and traders in Greece. We'll dive into their backgrounds, product offerings, certifications, and what makes each one unique—so you can make an informed choice that aligns with your needs.

Before we jump into the list, let's clarify what sets these Greek suppliers apart. Many have been in the industry for decades, combining traditional extraction methods with modern technology to ensure purity and potency. Others focus on sustainability, partnering with local farmers to source organic milk thistle seeds. And nearly all prioritize third-party testing and certifications, giving buyers peace of mind that what's in the bottle (or bag) is exactly what's promised. So, let's explore the best of the best in Greece's milk thistle extract market.

At a Glance: Key Players in Greece's Milk Thistle Extract Market

Rank Company Name Type Key Certifications Primary Focus
1 Hellenic Herbal Extracts Co. Manufacturer & Wholesaler ISO 9001, Organic EU, GMP Bulk organic milk thistle extract (80% silymarin)
2 Mediterranean Bioactives Ltd. Manufacturer & Exporter ISO 22000, Kosher, Halal Pharmaceutical-grade milk thistle extract
3 Greek Green Botanicals Supplier & Trader Organic Greece, Fair Trade Sustainable, small-batch milk thistle extract
4 Aegean Extracts Group Manufacturer & Wholesaler ISO 14001, GMP, OHSAS 18001 Bulk industrial-grade milk thistle extract
5 Olympus Herbal Traders Trader & Exporter ISO 9001, FSSAI Import/export of Greek milk thistle extract to EU/Asia
6 Crete Natural Extracts Manufacturer Organic EU, USDA Organic Organic milk thistle extract from Crete-grown seeds
7 Thessaloniki Bulk Herbs Wholesaler ISO 9001, GMP Cost-effective bulk milk thistle extract for supplements
8 Piraeus Pharma Ingredients Manufacturer & Supplier EMA-compliant, GMP Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical-grade extracts
9 Rhodes Herbal Exports Trader & Wholesaler Organic EU, Halal Specialized in export to Middle Eastern markets
10 Athens Natural Extracts Co. Manufacturer & Supplier ISO 9001, GMP Customized milk thistle extract formulations

Top 10 Milk Thistle Extract Suppliers in Greece

1. Hellenic Herbal Extracts Co.

Founded in 1985 in the heart of Thessaly, a region known for its fertile plains and ideal growing conditions for medicinal herbs, Hellenic Herbal Extracts Co. has established itself as a pioneer in Greece's herbal extract industry. What started as a small family-run operation now spans a 50,000-square-meter facility equipped with state-of-the-art extraction technology—all while staying true to its roots of sustainable farming.

As both a manufacturer and wholesaler, Hellenic Herbal Extracts specializes in organic milk thistle extract, with a focus on high silymarin content (80% as standard, with options for 90% on request). Their process begins with sourcing non-GMO milk thistle seeds from local farmers in Thessaly and Macedonia, ensuring that every batch is traceable from seed to extract. The seeds are cold-pressed and then extracted using a gentle ethanol method to preserve the integrity of silymarin, resulting in a extract that's not only potent but also free from harsh solvents.

What sets them apart? Their commitment to organic practices. They hold both EU Organic and USDA Organic certifications, and their facility is GMP-certified, meaning strict quality control measures are in place at every step. For buyers looking for milk thistle extract wholesale quantities, Hellenic Herbal Extracts offers bulk packaging from 25kg drums up to full container loads, with flexible lead times to accommodate tight production schedules. They also pride themselves on transparency—providing detailed COAs (Certificates of Analysis) for every order, so you know exactly what you're getting.

2. Mediterranean Bioactives Ltd.

Nestled in the coastal city of Patras, Mediterranean Bioactives Ltd. has built its reputation on one thing: pharmaceutical-grade precision. Since 2001, this manufacturer and exporter has focused exclusively on producing high-purity herbal extracts for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical industries—and their milk thistle extract is no exception.

Mediterranean Bioactives' approach is all about science. Their in-house R&D team works closely with pharmacologists and herbalists to optimize extraction methods, ensuring that their milk thistle extract meets the strictest standards for potency and consistency. Using a proprietary supercritical CO2 extraction process, they're able to isolate silymarin with minimal degradation, resulting in a extract that's 95% pure—making it a top choice for pharmaceutical formulations where precision is non-negotiable.

In addition to their technical expertise, Mediterranean Bioactives holds an impressive array of certifications, including ISO 22000 (food safety management), Kosher, and Halal, which opens doors to global markets. They also prioritize sustainability, with a zero-waste production model that repurposes byproducts from extraction into animal feed. For bulk buyers, they offer customizable packaging (from 1kg foil pouches to 200kg drums) and private labeling options, making them a favorite among brands looking to scale their product lines. Whether you're a pharmaceutical company in need of EMA-compliant ingredients or a supplement brand chasing the highest purity, Mediterranean Bioactives delivers.

3. Greek Green Botanicals

If "small-batch" and "sustainable" are your buzzwords, Greek Green Botanicals is the supplier for you. Based in the mountainous region of Epirus, this family-owned supplier and trader has been working with local farmers since 2010 to source the finest organic milk thistle seeds, prioritizing biodiversity and fair labor practices along the way.

Unlike large-scale manufacturers, Greek Green Botanicals takes a hands-on approach: they work directly with 20+ smallholder farms, providing training on organic farming methods and ensuring farmers receive fair prices for their crops. The result? A milk thistle extract that's not only organic (certified by Organic Greece) but also carries the stories of the people who grew it. Their extraction process is equally mindful—using traditional cold maceration techniques combined with modern filtration to preserve the extract's natural compounds, resulting in a product with a rich, earthy aroma and vibrant color.

While they don't produce in the same volumes as some larger suppliers, Greek Green Botanicals caters to buyers who value quality over quantity. Their product range includes both standard (80% silymarin) and high-potency (90% silymarin) extracts, available in small to medium batches (1kg to 50kg). They also offer custom blends, such as milk thistle combined with other Greek herbs like oregano or chamomile, for brands looking to create unique formulations. With a focus on transparency and ethical sourcing, Greek Green Botanicals proves that doing good business and creating great products can go hand in hand.

4. Aegean Extracts Group

For industrial-scale buyers in need of reliable, cost-effective milk thistle extract, Aegean Extracts Group is a name that comes up time and again. With facilities in Athens and Thessaloniki, this manufacturer and wholesaler has been a cornerstone of Greece's bulk extract market since 1998, serving industries ranging from animal feed to cosmetics.

Aegean Extracts prides itself on efficiency. Their production lines are designed to handle large volumes—up to 500 metric tons of milk thistle extract per year—using solvent-based extraction methods optimized for speed and yield. While their standard product is an 80% silymarin extract, they also offer lower-potency options (50-70% silymarin) for applications where cost is a primary concern, such as industrial supplements or functional foods.

What really sets Aegean Extracts apart is their commitment to sustainability and safety. They hold ISO 14001 (environmental management) and OHSAS 18001 (occupational health and safety) certifications, and their facility runs on 30% renewable energy. They also invest heavily in quality control, with an in-house lab that tests every batch for contaminants, heavy metals, and silymarin content. For wholesalers and manufacturers looking to buy in bulk, Aegean Extracts offers competitive pricing, flexible payment terms, and fast shipping—often within 48 hours for domestic orders. When you need reliability at scale, Aegean Extracts delivers.

5. Olympus Herbal Traders

When it comes to connecting Greek milk thistle extract with global markets, Olympus Herbal Traders is a key player. Based in Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city and a major port, this trader and exporter has built a network spanning 30+ countries, making it easy for international buyers to access Greek-quality extracts.

Olympus Herbal Traders works with a select group of local manufacturers (including some on this list) to source milk thistle extract, ensuring that every product meets their strict quality standards. They specialize in bridging the gap between Greek producers and buyers in the EU, Asia, and the Middle East, handling everything from logistics and documentation to customs clearance. Whether you're a supplement brand in Germany needing EU-compliant extract or a cosmetics company in Japan seeking organic-certified ingredients, Olympus Herbal Traders streamlines the process.

In addition to their export expertise, Olympus Herbal Traders offers a range of value-added services, such as pre-shipment inspection, warehousing, and even market research to help buyers understand local regulations. They hold ISO 9001 (quality management) and FSSAI (Indian food safety) certifications, which are particularly valuable for clients in Asia. And with a minimum order quantity as low as 5kg, they're accessible to small and medium-sized businesses, too. For buyers new to the Greek market or looking to expand their global supply chain, Olympus Herbal Traders is the trusted partner you need.

6. Crete Natural Extracts

Crete, with its sun-drenched hills and nutrient-rich soil, is a paradise for growing medicinal herbs—and Crete Natural Extracts has capitalized on that. Founded in 2012 in Chania, this manufacturer specializes in organic milk thistle extract made exclusively from seeds grown on the island, leveraging Crete's unique microclimate to produce plants with naturally high silymarin levels.

What makes Crete Natural Extracts stand out? Their vertical integration. They own and operate their own farms, giving them full control over the growing process—from seed selection to harvest. This means they can guarantee that their milk thistle is free from pesticides, herbicides, and GMOs, a claim backed by their EU Organic and USDA Organic certifications. Their extraction facility, located just outside Chania, uses a water-based process that's gentle on the environment and results in a extract with a naturally sweet, nutty flavor—making it ideal for use in functional foods and beverages.

While they're best known for their organic offerings, Crete Natural Extracts also caters to niche markets, such as raw food brands, by offering cold-pressed extracts that retain more of the plant's natural enzymes. They sell in bulk (25kg to 1000kg) and also offer retail-sized bottles for smaller businesses. With a focus on terroir and quality, their milk thistle extract carries the essence of Crete in every drop—perfect for brands looking to tell a story of origin and purity.

7. Thessaloniki Bulk Herbs

For buyers on a budget, Thessaloniki Bulk Herbs delivers quality milk thistle extract at competitive prices. As one of Greece's largest wholesalers of herbal extracts, this company, based in the industrial zone of Thessaloniki, has built its business on efficiency and volume—passing the savings on to customers.

Thessaloniki Bulk Herbs sources milk thistle seeds from across Greece, focusing on regions with high yields to keep costs low. Their extraction process is optimized for volume, using industrial-scale ethanol extraction followed by spray-drying to produce a fine, free-flowing powder that's easy to incorporate into supplements, capsules, and tablets. While their standard product is an 80% silymarin extract, they also offer a "standardized" option (70% silymarin) at an even lower price point, making it popular for budget-friendly supplement lines.

Despite their focus on affordability, Thessaloniki Bulk Herbs doesn't skimp on quality. They hold GMP and ISO 9001 certifications, and every batch undergoes third-party testing for purity and potency. They also offer flexible payment terms and fast shipping, with most orders dispatched within 3-5 business days. Whether you're a startup looking to keep costs down or a large manufacturer needing to scale, Thessaloniki Bulk Herbs proves that quality and affordability can coexist.

8. Piraeus Pharma Ingredients

As its name suggests, Piraeus Pharma Ingredients caters to the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, offering high-purity milk thistle extract that meets the rigorous standards of global regulatory bodies. Located in Piraeus, Greece's largest port, this manufacturer and supplier has been a trusted partner to pharmaceutical companies since 2005.

Piraeus Pharma Ingredients' claim to fame is its ultra-pure silymarin isolate, which undergoes multiple rounds of chromatography to achieve 99% purity—a level that's rare in the industry. This isolate is used in pharmaceutical formulations for liver disease treatment, where even minor impurities can have serious consequences. They also produce a range of standardized extracts (80-90% silymarin) for nutraceutical use, all of which are tested to meet USP, EP, and BP monographs.

In addition to their technical excellence, Piraeus Pharma Ingredients is fully compliant with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for pharmaceuticals, and their facility is regularly audited by the EMA and FDA. They offer small to large batch sizes (from 500g to 500kg) and provide comprehensive documentation, including stability studies and batch records, to support regulatory submissions. For companies in the pharmaceutical or high-end supplement space, Piraeus Pharma Ingredients is the gold standard for reliability and purity.

9. Rhodes Herbal Exports

Rhodes, the sunniest island in Greece, is home to Rhodes Herbal Exports, a trader and wholesaler with a specialty in exporting Greek herbal extracts to the Middle East and North Africa. Since 2015, they've carved out a niche by understanding the unique needs of these markets—particularly when it comes to certifications and cultural preferences.

Rhodes Herbal Exports works with a network of manufacturers across Greece to source milk thistle extract, but they add value by ensuring every product meets Halal certification standards, a must for many Middle Eastern buyers. They also offer Arabic labeling and documentation, making it easier for their clients to navigate local regulations. Their product range includes both organic and conventional milk thistle extract, with silymarin content ranging from 70% to 90%, and they specialize in bulk orders (100kg+), often shipping directly from Rhodes' port to destinations like Dubai, Riyadh, and Cairo.

What really makes Rhodes Herbal Exports stand out is their cultural fluency. They understand that doing business in the Middle East requires more than just a product—it requires trust and relationship-building. Their team includes native Arabic speakers who provide personalized customer service, from initial inquiries to after-sales support. For brands looking to tap into the growing Middle Eastern market for natural supplements, Rhodes Herbal Exports is the bridge you need.

10. Athens Natural Extracts Co.

Rounding out our list is Athens Natural Extracts Co., a manufacturer and supplier based in the Greek capital that prides itself on customization. Since 2018, they've worked with brands of all sizes to create tailor-made milk thistle extract formulations, from flavor-infused extracts for beverages to microencapsulated powders for slow-release supplements.

Athens Natural Extracts Co. starts by understanding their clients' goals: Are you looking to improve bioavailability? Add a natural flavor? Meet a specific regulatory requirement? From there, their team of food scientists and herbalists develops a custom extraction process, using techniques like nanoemulsion (for better absorption) or microencapsulation (for stability). They also offer a range of delivery forms, including liquids, powders, and even gummies, making them a one-stop shop for brands looking to innovate.

While customization is their forte, Athens Natural Extracts Co. doesn't compromise on quality. They source organic milk thistle seeds from Attica and Boeotia, and their facility is GMP-certified. They also offer quick turnaround times—most custom formulations are ready within 4-6 weeks—and small minimum order quantities (as low as 5kg), making them accessible to startups and established brands alike. For brands that want to stand out from the crowd, Athens Natural Extracts Co. proves that when it comes to milk thistle extract, one size doesn't fit all.

Choosing the Right Milk Thistle Extract Supplier in Greece

With so many excellent options, selecting the right milk thistle extract supplier in Greece ultimately comes down to your specific needs. Are you prioritizing organic certifications? Bulk pricing? Pharmaceutical-grade purity? Or perhaps a supplier who can help you navigate global markets?

For organic and sustainable sourcing, Hellenic Herbal Extracts Co. and Crete Natural Extracts are standout choices. If you need pharmaceutical precision, look to Mediterranean Bioactives Ltd. or Piraeus Pharma Ingredients. For bulk wholesale, Aegean Extracts Group and Thessaloniki Bulk Herbs deliver volume and value. And for global export, Olympus Herbal Traders and Rhodes Herbal Exports have the expertise to make international shipping seamless.

Whichever supplier you choose, remember to ask for certificates of analysis, tour their facilities if possible, and start with a small sample order to test quality. Greece's milk thistle extract market is rich with options, and with a little research, you're sure to find a partner that aligns with your brand's values and goals. Here's to harnessing the power of this remarkable herb—sourced straight from the Mediterranean!

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