Propolis Liquid Manufacturer for Tinctures, Sprays and Drops

Raw propolis arrives as resinous blocks with 50-70% wax and insoluble matter. We grade by origin and resin content, then extract with food-grade ethanol or glycerin at controlled temperatures between 40°C and 60°C. Extraction time runs 14-21 days depending on the flavonoid profile you need. After extraction, the liquid passes through a 5-micron filter, then a 0.45-micron polish filter to remove wax and particulate. This two-stage filtration is what keeps spray actuators clear and dropper tips free of sediment over shelf life.

For alcohol-free formats, we use glycerin or propylene glycol extraction. These carriers have lower solvency for resin, so we adjust the propolis-to-solvent ratio and may blend in a small amount of water to improve mouthfeel. Every batch is tested for flavonoid content, pH, viscosity and microbial load before filling. If your formula needs a specific propolis concentration, such as 10%, 20% or 30% extract, we can match it within ±5% of the target.

Propolis liquid is rarely sold as a single ingredient. Most brands combine it with honey, elderberry, echinacea, zinc, vitamin C or menthol. Each addition changes the base: honey increases viscosity and can slow spray output, while menthol requires a co-solvent to stay dissolved. We keep a library of 40+ propolis-compatible actives and can run compatibility trials in 5-7 days. For throat sprays, we test actuator performance at 5°C, 25°C and 40°C to confirm spray angle and dose consistency.

Preservation is another decision point. Alcohol at 20% or higher is self-preserving, so no added preservative is needed. Alcohol-free formulas typically use potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate at 0.1-0.2%, or a natural preservative system based on levulinic acid. We can produce both. For organic certification, the preservative and the propolis source must both be certified organic. We source organic propolis from Brazil and China and hold the organic certificate for the finished batch.

Every propolis liquid batch is tested for heavy metals, pesticide residues, microbial limits and flavonoid content. We retain samples for 24 months. Batch records include raw material certificates, extraction logs, fill weights and label reconciliation. For US buyers, we provide FDA-registered facility documentation and prior notice support. For EU buyers, we supply the product specification sheet, allergen statement and, where needed, a health certificate for propolis as a food supplement. Halal certificates are available on request for Middle East and Israeli markets.

Shipping is straightforward. We pack in 15 ml to 100 ml amber glass or PET bottles with dropper, spray or tamper-evident caps. Cartons are export-grade with desiccant where humidity is a risk. We ship FOB Shenzhen or Yantian, with air freight for pilot runs under 500 kg. Typical transit is 18-25 days to US West Coast, 25-32 days to EU ports, and 12-18 days to Jebel Ali. We handle labelling in English, Arabic, French and German.

Every propolis liquid batch is tested at three stages: incoming raw propolis, bulk extract before filling, and finished bottled product. Incoming resin is screened for foreign matter, moisture and resin content by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, with a minimum flavonoid content of 12% by weight. Bulk extract is checked for pH, ethanol content by GC, and clarity by turbidity meter. Finished bottles are sampled from the first and last 10% of each filling run for microbials (TPC, yeast and mould, E. coli, Salmonella), heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury) and identity confirmation by TLC against a propolis reference standard.

Batch records are compiled within 48 hours of filling and include the raw material COA, in-process checks, filling weights, label reconciliation and a certificate of analysis for the finished lot. Each COA lists the tests performed, specification limits, results and the analytical method used. We retain samples of every batch for 24 months at 25°C/60% RH and 12 months at 40°C/75% RH for accelerated stability. Stability protocols cover appearance, pH, flavonoid content and microbial counts at 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. If a batch drifts outside specification, we notify the buyer before release.

For buyers who need third-party verification, we can send samples to SGS, Intertek or Eurofins at cost. Turnaround is typically 7 to 10 working days for microbial and heavy metal panels. We do not release a batch for export until the internal COA is signed off by the QA manager and, where required, the buyer's own specification is cross-checked against our results. Documentation is provided in English as standard, with Arabic, Spanish or French translations available on request.

Propolis liquid is filled into amber glass or PET bottles with dropper, spray or screw-cap closures. Standard bottle sizes are 15 ml, 20 ml, 30 ml, 50 ml, 60 ml and 100 ml, with custom moulds available at 5,000 units per size. For stick packs and sachets, we fill 5 ml to 15 ml on vertical form-fill-seal lines, with fill accuracy of ±2%. Blister packing is not typical for liquids but is available for dropper tips or accessories. All primary packaging is food-grade and compliant with EU 10/2011 and US FDA 21 CFR 177 for food contact.

Labels are printed to your artwork and must include the FDA dietary-supplement panel elements: supplement facts, serving size, amount per serving, percent daily value where applicable, ingredient list, allergen statement, net quantity, lot code, best-by date and the manufacturer or distributor address. We apply lot and expiry coding by inkjet or laser on the bottle base, label and carton. Cartons are standard export grade with a maximum weight of 15 kg, palletised at 1,200 by 1,000 mm or 1,200 by 800 mm, stretch-wrapped and strapped. Amazon FNSKU labels, poly-bagging and retail-ready carton marking can be added at the packing stage.

For retail chains and e-commerce, we can apply security seals, tamper-evident bands and child-resistant closures where the market requires them. We check artwork against your target market's labelling rules before printing, but final legal responsibility rests with the brand owner. Pre-production samples with your label are provided for approval, and we keep a signed reference sample for each SKU. Carton and pallet dimensions are confirmed in the packing specification before mass production so that freight costs can be calculated accurately.

The MOQ for propolis liquid is 1,000 units per SKU for retail bottling, with a 500-unit pilot run available for market testing. Sample lead time is 7 to 10 working days once artwork and specification are confirmed. Mass production runs 20 to 35 working days after sample approval and deposit, depending on bottle size, closure type and whether labelling is standard or custom. For repeat orders with unchanged specifications, production can start within 5 working days of PO and deposit.

We ship by air or sea depending on volume and urgency. Air freight from Shenzhen or Hong Kong is typically 5 to 8 days door to door for orders under 500 kg. Sea freight to Europe takes 28 to 35 days port to port, and to the US 25 to 32 days. We quote EXW, FOB Shenzhen or Hong Kong, and DDP for most major markets. DDP pricing includes freight, insurance, customs clearance and duties, with delivery to your warehouse or Amazon fulfilment centre.

Export documents provided with every shipment include the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of analysis, material safety data sheet, and a free-sale certificate where required. For markets that request it, we can arrange a phytosanitary certificate or health certificate through the local CIQ office. Halal certificates are available for the facility and for specific product runs, with copies included in the shipping documents. We do not release documents until the final payment is received, unless agreed otherwise in the contract.