1. Balkan Botanicals Ltd.
Founded in 2005 in Belgrade, Balkan Botanicals has grown from a small family-run operation to one of Serbia's leading silymarin manufacturers. What sets them apart? A focus on vertical integration—they own over 500 hectares of organic milk thistle farms in Vojvodina, ensuring full control over the supply chain from seed to extract. Their state-of-the-art extraction facility, equipped with supercritical CO2 and ethanol extraction technologies, produces silymarin extracts with purity levels ranging from 70% to 95%, making them a go-to for pharmaceutical companies. Certified by ISO 9001, GMP, and EU Organic, they specialize in bulk orders, with a monthly production capacity of 20 tons of silymarin powder. While they primarily serve EU markets, they've recently expanded to supply clients in the Middle East and North America. Their minimum order quantity (MOQ) starts at 50kg, but they're known for flexibility—smaller businesses can often negotiate lower MOQs for trial orders.
2. Serbian Extracts & Co.
Located in Novi Sad, Serbian Extracts & Co. has been a trusted name in the botanical extract industry since 2010. Unlike some suppliers that focus solely on production, they pride themselves on being a "one-stop shop"—offering everything from raw milk thistle seeds to fully formulated silymarin extracts, as well as custom blending services for supplements and cosmetics. Their silymarin lineup includes standard extracts (80% purity), phytosome complexes (for better bioavailability), and water-soluble variants ideal for beverages and liquid supplements. Certified by ISO 22000 and Kosher, they're particularly popular with health food brands and cosmetic manufacturers looking for clean, traceable ingredients. With a warehouse in Belgrade and a distribution network across the EU, they guarantee delivery within 3–5 days for European clients. Fun fact: They partner with local farmers to implement regenerative agriculture practices, reducing their carbon footprint and ensuring the milk thistle is grown without synthetic pesticides.
3. Vojvodina Natural Extracts
For over 15 years, Vojvodina Natural Extracts has specialized in high-purity silymarin, earning a reputation for consistency and reliability. Based in Novi Sad, they focus exclusively on milk thistle extract and silymarin, allowing them to perfect their craft. Their extraction process uses cold-press technology to preserve the integrity of silymarin's active components, resulting in extracts with a minimum silybin content of 30% (a key marker of quality). Certified GMP and Halal, they cater to both local Serbian businesses and international clients, with exports to Germany, Austria, and even Canada. What makes them stand out? A rigorous testing protocol—every batch undergoes HPLC analysis in their in-house lab, and they provide detailed COA (Certificate of Analysis) documents with each order. They also offer flexible packaging options, from 1kg foil bags to 25kg drums, making them a favorite for small to medium-sized buyers. If you're prioritizing transparency, ask about their "Farm to Extract" program, which lets clients trace their silymarin back to the specific farm where the milk thistle was grown.
4. Belgrade Extract Trading
As the name suggests, Belgrade Extract Trading is a wholesaler and trader with a knack for connecting global buyers with Serbia's best silymarin producers. Established in 2012, they don't manufacture their own extracts but instead partner with 10+ local farms and extraction facilities, curating a portfolio of silymarin products to suit every need. Whether you're looking for organic-certified silymarin, bulk quantities at wholesale prices, or small-batch specialty extracts (like standardized 90% silymarin), they can source it. Their strength lies in negotiation—they leverage their network to secure competitive pricing, often passing savings on to clients. They also handle logistics, including customs clearance for EU and non-EU exports, making them a hassle-free option for international buyers. While they don't have their own certifications, they only work with suppliers who hold ISO, GMP, or organic credentials, and they provide third-party lab test reports for all products. If you're new to sourcing silymarin, their team of experts offers free consultations to help you choose the right extract for your application.
5. Pannonian Bioactive Extracts
Pannonian Bioactive Extracts, based in Subotica, is all about innovation. Since 2014, they've invested heavily in research and development, creating silymarin extracts with enhanced properties—think time-release formulas for sustained liver support or nano-encapsulated silymarin for better absorption in skincare products. Their core product is a pharmaceutical-grade silymarin with 95% purity, used in liver medications across Europe, but they also produce a "cosmetic grade" variant (70% purity) tailored for creams, serums, and masks. Certified ISO 13485 (medical device standard) and EU Organic, they're a favorite among high-end brands. What's unique? They offer contract manufacturing services—if you have a custom formulation in mind, their R&D team can develop and scale it up. With a production capacity of 15 tons per month, they handle large orders with ease, but they're also willing to work with startups on smaller trials. Their sustainability efforts are noteworthy too: they use 100% renewable energy in their facility and recycle 90% of their extraction byproducts as animal feed.
6. Nis Botanical Solutions
Located in the southern city of Nis, Nis Botanical Solutions is a rising star in Serbia's silymarin scene. Founded in 2018, they've quickly made a name for themselves with their focus on affordability without compromising quality. Their silymarin extracts (available in 60–80% purity) are priced 10–15% lower than many competitors, making them ideal for budget-conscious buyers or those needing large bulk orders (they offer discounts for orders over 100kg). While they don't have organic certification yet, they follow EU regulations for pesticide residues and heavy metals, ensuring safety. Their main markets include local Serbian supplement brands and exporters to Eastern Europe, but they're expanding into the UK and Australia. One thing to note: their MOQ is higher (100kg for standard extracts), so they're better suited for mid to large businesses. However, their customer service is praised for being responsive—they offer 24/7 support for urgent orders and can arrange same-day shipping within Serbia.
7. (Dunav Natural Extracts)
With a name inspired by the Danube River (Dunav in Serbian), this Belgrade-based manufacturer has been a staple in the industry since 1998—one of the oldest silymarin suppliers in Serbia. Their longevity speaks to their reliability: they've weathered market changes by adapting to new trends, from early adoption of GMP certification in 2005 to recently launching a line of organic silymarin (certified by Ecocert). Their product range includes traditional silymarin powder, liquid extracts (for tinctures and beverages), and even silymarin-enriched milk thistle seed oil for cosmetics. What's impressive? Their commitment to education—they regularly host workshops for clients on silymarin's benefits and application in different products. They also offer private labeling services, making it easy for brands to launch their own silymarin supplements. With a loyal customer base in Serbia and Croatia, they're now targeting the US market, with a focus on natural health stores and online supplement retailers.
8. Serbian Pharma Extracts
As the name implies, Serbian Pharma Extracts caters specifically to the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, specializing in ultra-high-purity silymarin (95%+). Founded in 2010 in Kragujevac, they operate a GMP-certified facility that meets the strictest EU pharmaceutical standards, including compliance with the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.). Their extracts are used in prescription liver medications, over-the-counter supplements, and clinical research—they even supply universities and labs conducting studies on silymarin's potential anti-inflammatory properties. While their prices are on the higher end, the quality is unmatched: their silymarin has a silybin content of 40%+, and they offer batch-to-batch consistency with a variation of less than 2%. They also provide detailed documentation, including stability studies and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets), which is critical for pharmaceutical clients. Their MOQ is 50kg, and they prioritize long-term partnerships, offering dedicated account managers for repeat clients.
9. Zlatibor Herbal Traders
Nestled in the mountainous region of Zlatibor (known for its pristine nature), Zlatibor Herbal Traders is a family-owned wholesaler with a passion for sustainable sourcing. They work directly with small-scale farmers in southwest Serbia, who grow milk thistle using traditional, organic methods (though not all are certified). This focus on sustainability and supporting local communities has made them a favorite among eco-conscious brands. Their silymarin extracts (70–80% purity) are slightly pricier, but clients say the quality and ethical sourcing are worth it. They specialize in small to medium orders (MOQ 10kg), making them accessible to startups and indie brands. They also offer a "Sample Pack" (500g) for clients to test before committing to larger orders. While their main market is Serbia and neighboring countries, they ship internationally, with carbon-neutral shipping options available upon request.
10. Novi Sad Wholesale Extracts
Rounding out our list is Novi Sad Wholesale Extracts, a trader that prides itself on variety. In addition to silymarin, they offer a range of botanical extracts (think green tea, ginseng, and echinacea), making them a convenient one-stop shop for brands needing multiple ingredients. Their silymarin selection includes standard powder (60–85% purity), organic options (certified by EU Organic), and even vegan-friendly formulations (free from animal-derived excipients). They source from several Serbian manufacturers, allowing them to compare prices and pass savings on to clients. Their strength is flexibility—they can mix and match extracts for custom orders, and their MOQ is just 1kg for most products, making them ideal for small businesses and product developers testing new formulas. While they don't have their own production facility, they conduct third-party testing on all silymarin batches to ensure quality, and they provide a 30-day return policy for unsatisfied customers.
| Company Name | Established | Main Products | Certifications | Key Markets | Minimum Order Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balkan Botanicals Ltd. | 2005 | Organic silymarin (70–95% purity), milk thistle extract | ISO 9001, GMP, EU Organic | EU, Middle East, North America | 50kg |
| Serbian Extracts & Co. | 2010 | Silymarin phytosomes, water-soluble silymarin, milk thistle extract | ISO 22000, Kosher | EU, health food brands, cosmetics | 20kg |
| Vojvodina Natural Extracts | 2008 | High-purity silymarin (80–90% purity), milk thistle extract | GMP, Halal | Serbia, Germany, Austria, Canada | 1kg |
| Belgrade Extract Trading | 2012 | Curated silymarin (organic, standard, specialty extracts) | Depends on partner suppliers | Global (via partner network) | 5kg |
| Pannonian Bioactive Extracts | 2014 | Pharmaceutical-grade silymarin (95%+), nano-encapsulated silymarin | ISO 13485, EU Organic | EU pharmaceuticals, cosmetics | 50kg |
| Nis Botanical Solutions | 2018 | Budget-friendly silymarin (60–80% purity) | EU safety compliant (no organic cert) | Serbia, Eastern Europe, UK, Australia | 100kg |
| Dunav Natural Extracts | 1998 | Silymarin powder, liquid extracts, silymarin-enriched oil | GMP, Ecocert Organic | Serbia, Croatia, US | 25kg |
| Serbian Pharma Extracts | 2010 | Ultra-high-purity silymarin (95%+) | GMP, Ph. Eur. compliant | Pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals | 50kg |
| Zlatibor Herbal Traders | 2015 | Sustainably sourced silymarin (70–80% purity) | Non-certified organic (traditional farming) | Serbia, eco-conscious brands | 10kg |
| Novi Sad Wholesale Extracts | 2016 | Standard, organic, vegan silymarin; mixed botanical extracts | EU Organic (for organic options) | Global (small businesses) | 1kg |
