What It Is
Lutein is a natural yellow pigment extracted from marigold petals, used in poultry feed for yolk colour, in food colouring and in eye-health supplements. India is a leading supplier.
How It Is Made
Marigold flowers grown under contract are dried, pelleted and solvent-extracted to make oleoresin, which is refined into lutein and zeaxanthin.
Uses and Buyers
Feed makers, food companies and nutraceutical brands worldwide.
Quality and Standards
Graded by xanthophyll and lutein content.
Trade and Exports
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu grow most contract marigold.
Where the Raw Material Comes From
Processors buy marigold from the main growing states below. Plants are usually built close to these belts, or close to ports for imported raw material, to keep freight low and quality fresh. Tap a state for its districts, markets, season and buyers.
| State | Main districts |
|---|---|
| Karnataka | Chikkaballapur, Kolar, Haveri, Ballari, Davangere |
| West Bengal | Purba Medinipur (Kolaghat, Panskura), Nadia, Howrah |
| Madhya Pradesh | Indore, Ujjain, Bhopal |
| Gujarat | Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Anand |
| Maharashtra | Pune, Satara, Nashik, Ahmednagar |
| Tamil Nadu | Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Dindigul |
| Andhra Pradesh | Anantapur, Chittoor, Kurnool |
| Uttar Pradesh | Varanasi, Lucknow, Meerut |
Makers, Processors and Bodies
- AVT Natural Products LtdKochi · marigold extractsAboutExplore
- OmniActive Health Technologies LtdMumbai · luteinAboutExplore
Related: Marigold · All products · All crops
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