Whole Story

The Official Whole Foods Market® Blog

Eros Yogurt

By Marc Hamel and Ha Lam, September 10, 2011  |  Meet the Blogger  |  More Posts by Marc Hamel and Ha Lam
CONGRATULATION TO OUR WINNER PATRICIA FROM ANN ARBOR, MI. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR GREAT COMMENTS! We love our producers, suppliers and vendors and we think most of them have some pretty interesting stories behind their products too. We’ll be sharing some of our favorites here in an ongoing series. Read on for a chance to win a $50 gift card. What does it take to run a creamery? If you’re Jennifer Bice, it takes lots of care, concern and meticulous attention to detail. The organic creamery behind Eros Organic Greek Yogurt, is operated 100% on solar power from two acres of solar panels. Running on these solar panels is “equal to taking 76 cars off the road, planting 110 trees or powering over 50 homes, “ Bice says. “Creameries use tremendous amounts of energy so we’re constantly looking at new ways that we can deliver the product in a more sustainable fashion.” In addition to solar energy, the creamery uses motion-sensored lights that only come on when needed in order to minimize lighting usage, has electric car charging stations (also operated by solar power) and a computer-operated water system that measures the exact amount of water needed to clean their operational equipment. The same consciousness applies not only to the creamery, but also to their relationship with Diamond W Dairy, their award-winning dairy producer. Using one dairy to provide all of the milk for Eros yogurt means that they can save in transportation resources as well as get fresh, high-quality milk to the creamery faster. “We really wanted the best and most high quality milk, so we’ve formed a partnership with the Diamond W Dairy because they have one of the best dairies in Sonoma County,” says Bice. Brothers Ron and Ken Wilson run the dairy, which provides organic milk from 600 cows to supply all of the milk that goes into Eros Yogurt. The Wilson brothers are the third generation of their family to run their farm and they’re known for the care with which they treat their cows. “We want to make sure the animals are taken care of; I think it just tastes better in the end product.” says Bice. “Eros Organic Greek Yogurt is exclusive to Whole Foods Market, is one of the few organic Greek yogurts, and on top of that, it’s delicious!” Eros Organic Greek Yogurt is available in plain, vanilla, honey, strawberry and blueberry and is found only in our stores. What do you think about the efforts that Eros Organic Greek Yogurt makes to conserve resources in its creamery? Watch the slideshow above and leave a comment with your answer by September 27th. One comment will be chosen at random to win a $50 gift card to our stores.

 

2,850 Comments

Comments

Clayton Klein says ...
another great prize !
09/14/2011 6:18:54 PM CDT
Dara says ...
Conserving resources with the solar panels is great because the savings can be used toward increased worker wages or providing livestock care. We appreciate your product Eros and all the work that goes into it!
09/14/2011 6:19:43 PM CDT
Dan R says ...
What a great and responsible company. Kudos to Eros Yogurt. Happy cows make for happy customers!
09/14/2011 6:20:09 PM CDT
Deborah says ...
I loved hearing about your dairy and the cows behind the scenes - it makes me feel like I wish I could work for you! I will be eager to try your yogurt again (I know I have in the past) with an new perspective.
09/14/2011 6:20:37 PM CDT
Donna Janovsky says ...
I think it is great that Eros is concerned with conserving resources by using solar power and looking for additional ways that they can conserve resources. It is also a good thing how they treat their employees.
09/14/2011 6:23:58 PM CDT
Jen M M. says ...
With all the GREAT things I just read about Eros Organic Greek Yougurt, I'm so excited to and excellent company this product comes from, its going to taste CRAZY great!
09/14/2011 6:24:42 PM CDT
David says ...
Your careful nurturing of the source of your key ingredient, the people who are responsible for turning that into a special product, and your respect for the world that supports us tells me I must taste your yogurt tomorrow.
09/14/2011 6:25:49 PM CDT
Dawn Scire says ...
Wow, that's amazing! Lotta work goes into it, for sure....
09/14/2011 6:26:00 PM CDT
Kim says ...
Anyone who treats animals they way they should be is great!
09/14/2011 6:27:12 PM CDT
Terri says ...
I have tried to focus 75% of my food buying with companies like these two. I'm impressed and hope to see this yogurt on my store shelves soon so I can support their efforts.
09/14/2011 6:27:33 PM CDT
annie carricato says ...
Eros has spoiled us: there is no going back to yogarts that were previously satisfying. Our family savors your Eros yogart, we enjoy using a demispoon while eating our Eros so they last longer.
09/14/2011 6:27:40 PM CDT
Cherry says ...
Getting back to how nature intended is essential for our further survival. It is awesome to see a company harnessing the sun's power and treating the animals with the respect they deserve!
09/14/2011 6:28:00 PM CDT
Andrea says ...
This needs to be shown in schools to teach our kids about responsible farming.
09/14/2011 6:28:15 PM CDT
Helene says ...
Kind of makes you wonder why, if Eros can produce a product in a humane and sustainable way, more companies don't do it. Of course, products will have to be priced accordingly but if it were the rule instead of the exception that wouldn't be an issue.
09/14/2011 6:28:48 PM CDT
Mike Smith says ...
Outstanding. I love and greatly respect their commitment to sustainability. It's easy to talk about (and a lot of companies are these days) but it's another thing altogether to actually run your business that way. Companies that make this commitment get my vote as a consumer! Well done Eros!
09/14/2011 6:29:42 PM CDT
Ben says ...
Way to go, Eros!
09/14/2011 6:30:46 PM CDT
Eric Woodlock says ...
Great to learn of your efforts and Eros yogurt. I look forward to trying the vanilla.
09/14/2011 6:32:17 PM CDT
Jane Keyser says ...
The red heart at the end of the arrow shows the attention/love that goes into this product....it won my heart over....I love this yogurt!
09/14/2011 6:33:33 PM CDT
Kris says ...
Very glad to see producers investing in sustainability - something we as consumers can support through purchasing their product. Fabulous!
09/14/2011 6:33:41 PM CDT
Kathy Lockhart says ...
I sure like the idea of supporting a family dairy.
09/14/2011 6:33:58 PM CDT
Patricia Oden says ...
I think its wonderful that its a family dairy and they treat their employees fairly.That makes all the difference.
09/14/2011 6:34:05 PM CDT
Carol Bristley says ...
Delicious organic yogurt and a company that really cares about it's products. Wonderful example of success.
09/14/2011 6:34:18 PM CDT
Jean M says ...
WOW - what an education I received! I'm awestruck by the high standards and methods in place. Fabulous! Such dedication. Never tried the frozen ... will gladly go buy and try.
09/14/2011 6:35:01 PM CDT
blake s says ...
Mmm, yogurt! Eco-conscious yogurt (conscious yogurt?)! I look forward to trying it.
09/14/2011 6:35:26 PM CDT
James Sheetz says ...
What a wonderful story! It is so good to see and hear about people who work together to produce incredible, quality products in a way that is eco-friendly and very humane. Eros and all its employees and suppliers should be commended for their diligence and fine products.
09/14/2011 6:35:46 PM CDT

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