Top 10 Companies in the Global Lutein and Lutein Esters Market (2026): Key Players Enhancing Eye Health and Nutrition

In Business Insights
January 10, 2026


The Global Lutein and Lutein Esters Market was valued at USD 175.39 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 251.63 million by 2029, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.20% during the forecast period (2024–2029). This robust growth is fueled by increasing consumer awareness of eye health, the rising prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and the expanding application of lutein in dietary supplements, functional foods, and pharmaceuticals.

As the demand for natural and preventive health solutions accelerates, the market is being shaped by key ingredient suppliers and manufacturers who are driving innovation in sourcing, formulation, and bioavailability. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Global Lutein and Lutein Esters Industry—leaders in biotechnology, natural extracts, and nutritional science that are fortifying the future of wellness.


🔟 1. Kemin Industries

Headquarters: Des Moines, Iowa, USA
Key Offering: FloraGLO® Lutein, Lutemax® 2020 (Free Lutein and Zeaxanthin Isomers)

Kemin Industries is a globally recognized leader in nutritional ingredients, with its FloraGLO® Lutein brand being one of the most trusted and clinically studied sources of lutein worldwide. The company focuses on producing high-purity, free-form lutein and specialized blends for optimal human absorption.

Innovation and Market Leadership:

  • Pioneer in the development and commercialization of free lutein

  • Extensive portfolio of science-backed ingredients for eye, brain, and skin health

  • Global manufacturing footprint with stringent quality control

Download FREE Sample Report: Global Lutein and Lutein Esters Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. OmniActive Health Technologies

Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Key Offering: Lutemax® Free Lutein, Lutemax® 2020, Lutemax® Kids

OmniActive is a major force in the lutein market, renowned for its Lutemax® brand of premium, natural lutein esters derived from marigold flowers. The company specializes in bioavailability-enhanced formulations tailored for specific demographic needs, from children to aging adults.

Innovation and Market Leadership:

  • Advanced marigold extraction and purification technologies

  • Strong focus on scientific research and clinical validation

  • Strategic partnerships with global dietary supplement brands


8️⃣ 3. Chr. Hansen Holding A/S

Headquarters: Hørsholm, Denmark
Key Offering: Capsule and tablet formulations featuring lutein, probiotic blends with added nutrients

While primarily known for its probiotics, Chr. Hansen has a significant presence in the health and nutrition sector, offering delivery solutions that incorporate lutein and other carotenoids. Their expertise lies in developing stable, effective formulations for supplement manufacturers.

Innovation and Market Leadership:

  • Integration of lutein into synergistic probiotic and wellness formulations

  • Focus on sustainable and natural ingredient sourcing

  • Global distribution network serving the food, dietary supplement, and pharmaceutical industries


7️⃣ 4. BASF SE (discontinued production but historical significance)

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Previously offered synthetic lutein products

BASF was previously a key player in the synthetic lutein market. While the company has since exited this specific segment to focus on other nutritional ingredients, its historical contributions to the science and standardization of lutein had a lasting impact on the industry.

Innovation and Market Leadership (Historical):

  • Development of high-quality synthetic lutein

  • Significant investment in carotenoid research and development


6️⃣ 5. Divis Laboratories

Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Key Offering: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), nutraceutical intermediates including lutein

Divis Laboratories is a leading manufacturer of APIs and nutraceutical ingredients. The company produces lutein as part of its diverse portfolio, leveraging its strong chemical synthesis and process development capabilities to serve the pharmaceutical and nutrition markets.

Innovation and Market Leadership:

  • Integration of lutein production within a broad API and nutraceutical portfolio

  • Strong operational expertise and large-scale manufacturing capacity

  • Focus on regulatory compliance and high-purity standards

Download FREE Sample Report: Global Lutein and Lutein Esters Market – View in Detailed Research Report


5️⃣ 6. Synthite Industries Ltd.

Headquarters: Kolenchery, Kerala, India
Key Offering: Marigold Oleoresins, Lutein Esters, Liquid and Powdered Lutein

Synthite is one of the world’s largest producers of value-added spices and plant extracts, with a significant share in the natural lutein esters market sourced from marigolds. The company controls a large part of the supply chain, from marigold cultivation to advanced extraction.

Innovation and Market Leadership:

  • Vertically integrated operations ensuring supply chain control and quality

  • Specialization in oleoresins and natural extract technologies

  • Strategic focus on the food, beverage, and nutraceutical industries


4️⃣ 7. Lycored (now part of Givaudan)

Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland (Givaudan)
Key Offering: Lutein and Zeaxanthin formulations,Tomato-based carotenoid complexes

Lycored, now integrated into the global flavors and fragrances leader Givaudan, is renowned for its scientifically validated, nature-derived ingredients. The company offers lutein as part of its comprehensive portfolio of carotenoids for health and wellness applications.

Innovation and Market Leadership:

  • Unique sourcing from tomatoes and other natural sources for carotenoid blends

  • Strong emphasis on clinical research linking carotenoids to skin and eye health

  • Access to Givaudan’s extensive global network and R&D capabilities


3️⃣ 8. Chenguang Biotech Group Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Quzhou, Zhejiang, China
Key Offering: Natural Lutein Crystals, Lutein Esters, Marigold Extracts

Chenguang Biotech is a major global supplier of plant extracts, including a significant output of lutein and lutein esters derived from marigolds. The company is a key player in the Asian market, supplying ingredients for both domestic consumption and international export.

Innovation and Market Leadership:

  • Large-scale production capacity for natural lutein

  • Cost-competitive positioning in the global market

  • Diverse product portfolio spanning multiple natural extracts


2️⃣ 9. Allied Biotech Corporation

Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
Key Offering: NaturLUT® Lutein, Cataract® (Lutein and Zeaxanthin blend), synthetic and natural carotenoids

Allied Biotech is a specialist in carotenoid manufacturing, offering both natural and synthetic lutein products. The company’s NaturLUT® brand is well-established in the market, serving customers in the dietary supplement, food, and beverage industries worldwide.

Innovation and Market Leadership:

  • Dual capability in both natural extraction and synthetic production of lutein

  • Focus on developing customized carotenoid solutions for clients

  • Strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region with growing global reach


1️⃣ 10. Qingdao Scitech Biotech Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Qingdao, Shandong, China
Key Offering: Lutein Oleoresin, Lutein Crystals (Free Form), Lutein Beadlets

Qingdao Scitech Biotech specializes in the research, development, and production of natural lutein and other plant extracts. The company is a significant exporter of marigold-derived lutein esters and has built a reputation for quality and reliability in the ingredient supply chain.

Innovation and Market Leadership:

  • Expertise in marigold cultivation and extraction optimization

  • Production of a range of lutein product forms (powders, oils, beadlets) for different applications

  • Commitment to sustainable and traceable agricultural practices

Get Full Report Here: Global Lutein and Lutein Esters Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Lutein and Lutein Esters Is Focused on Bioavailability and Health Benefits

The lutein and lutein esters market is undergoing a significant transformation. While eye health remains the primary driver, the industry is increasingly investing in advanced delivery systems, clinical research for new health applications, and sustainable sourcing to meet the growing consumer demand for proven, natural wellness ingredients.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Expansion of lutein applications into cognitive health and sports nutrition

  • Growing demand for vegetarian and vegan-certified lutein ingredients

  • Increased use of lutein in functional foods and beverages, moving beyond traditional supplement capsules

  • R&D focused on improving the bioavailability and stability of lutein formulations

Get Full Report Here: Global Lutein and Lutein Esters Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying a critical health ingredient—they are actively shaping a healthier future through scientific innovation and a commitment to quality.