Annatto Wholesale

What is Annatto?

Annatto is a natural pigment and spice made from the reddish-orange seeds of the achiote tree, native to tropical regions of Central and South America. Used for centuries in indigenous and Latin American cooking, annatto is now a global ingredient with two primary functions:

• As a natural coloring agent in cheeses, butters, sauces, and bakery products
• As a seasoning in spice blends and traditional Latin American and Southeast Asian dishes

Its subtle peppery and nutty flavor enhances culinary applications, while its carotenoid pigments (bixin and norbixin) provide a natural alternative to synthetic dyes. Annatto is also used in natural skincare and cosmetics, hair coloring products, as well as textile dyeing and cultural crafts. It is often processed alongside turmeric and paprika in spice manufacturing and ethnic seasoning mixes.

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Types, Varieties & Forms of Annatto

Annatto is commercially available in multiple processed forms to suit various industrial needs:

• Whole Annatto Seeds – Used in traditional cooking or for grinding and oil infusion. Ideal for small-batch production or further processing.
• Annatto Powder – Finely milled for direct use in seasoning blends, bakery products, and cosmetics requiring a clean, dispersible pigment.
• Annatto Paste – A concentrated blend of annatto seeds, oil, and spices commonly used in Latin American cuisine for meats, stews, and marinades.
• Annatto Extract – A water- or oil-soluble concentrate used extensively in food processing (especially dairy) for vibrant yellow to orange coloring.

Each form is available in conventional and organic grades, depending on the supplier, and tailored to food, personal care, or industrial applications.

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Harvest Season of Annatto

The primary harvest season for annatto varies by region but generally occurs during the dry months, when moisture levels are low and seed quality is optimal. In tropical climates, annatto trees can be harvested more than once a year, but peak harvest typically falls between July and December.

Timely harvesting and drying are critical to preserving pigment concentration and preventing fungal contamination. Buyers sourcing annatto in bulk benefit from planning purchases during or shortly after harvest to secure the most vibrant and aromatic product.

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Producing Countries

Annatto is cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates. Leading producers include:

• Brazil – One of the largest exporters, known for high-yield annatto crops used in food colorant manufacturing.
• Peru – Supplies both culinary-grade and industrial-grade annatto for domestic use and export.
• Mexico – Traditional grower of annatto (achiote), with applications rooted in Mexican cuisine. Known for flavor-rich seeds and pastes.
• The Philippines – A significant producer in Asia, with growing demand for both seeds and oil-soluble extracts.
• India & Vietnam – Emerging suppliers focused on natural dye markets.

These regions supply a variety of product formats, from raw seeds to concentrated colorants. Buyers can compare origin and processing methods through Nutrada’s platform to ensure alignment with their desired specifications and certifications. The global market for annatto was valued at approximately $246.1 million in 2023 and is projected to grow to $354.4 million by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% during the forecast period​.

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Trends & History

Annatto has been used for over 2,000 years by indigenous cultures in the Americas as both a seasoning and dye. Today, it plays a growing role in the clean-label movement as manufacturers look to replace synthetic colors with natural alternatives. Market trends driving demand for annatto include:

• Increased use of natural colorants in dairy, snacks, and beverages
• Growth in organic and vegan food production
• Rising interest in traditional Latin American and Caribbean ingredients
• Expansion of annatto use in clean-label personal care products

Nutrada supports these trends by connecting buyers with certified, traceable annatto suppliers focused on sustainability, quality, and regulatory compliance.

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Annatto Manufacturers

Manufacturers of annatto products are available in multiple grades and formats to meet the needs of food processors, cosmetic manufacturers, and natural dye producers. Nutrada offers access to a curated network of suppliers providing food-grade whole seeds, powder, paste, and extract. The shelf life of this ingredient is usually 12 to 24 months when stored in a cool, dry place in sealed packaging.

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Bulk Annatto

For manufacturers and importers, bulk annatto ensures consistent product quality, color performance, and pricing. Bulk formats include:

• 25kg kraft bags (seeds, powder)
• 5kg food-safe containers (paste)
• 5L – 25L drums or jerry cans (extracts, oleoresin)

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Private Label Annatto

Private label opportunities in the natural food and personal care markets are growing, with annatto featured in gourmet seasoning blends and artisan spice kits. Nutrada connects you with suppliers who offer private label packaging in formats like:

• 50g, 100g, and 250g spice jars or pouches
• 30ml and 100ml amber glass bottles (oil or extract)
• Ready-for-shelf retail packaging with labeling customization

Whether you’re launching a new product or expanding a wellness brand, private label annatto gives you the flexibility to go to market without managing your own production.

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Organic Annatto

Organic annatto is produced without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides and certified according to USDA, EU Organic, or other global standards. It is ideal for organic dairy and snack products and clean-label meat substitutes. Nutrada connects you with verified organic-certified suppliers offering fully traceable product documentation, quality assurance, and consistent availability.

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Find Annatto Suppliers on Nutrada

Sourcing high-quality annatto has never been easier. Nutrada’s B2B sourcing platform connects you with trusted annatto suppliers from Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and beyond. Compare supplier profiles in the herbs & spices category, view certifications, request samples, and negotiate pricing, all from one central dashboard.

Sign up today to access wholesale annatto listings and source with confidence.

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