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.
I love Greek Yogurt and I love producers who think about the whole picture and take a holistic approach to making their product and think about sustainability as part of their profit!
09/18/2011 10:18:12 AM CDT
jim wong says ...
Can not believe how Eros Yogurt can be so delicious and nutrious.
09/18/2011 10:56:59 AM CDT
Lynn says ...
I like to support companies who use sustainable practices to create their products. I'm looking forward to trying Eros!
09/18/2011 10:59:58 AM CDT
chris says ...
Something that tastes great and is good for you at the same time,I consider this a win-win!
09/18/2011 11:15:40 AM CDT
Beverly Macon says ...
I love to hear of companies making an effort and successful effort of becoming environment friendly. We need programs, not to give, but to guide the average American family in coming off the grid and being conscience of our environment. I would love to have a wind mill and solar panels but cant afford to spend the thousands at one time to do it. I applaud you as a company and hope other will follow in your lead.
09/18/2011 11:21:10 AM CDT
Sharry says ...
I haven't tried this brand yet. I think I'll check it out next time I go shopping.
09/18/2011 11:25:49 AM CDT
Karen C. says ...
I like that you have profiles of different companies and products making a difference. I always thought the packaging for Eros was cute, but now I know more about the production and it makes me feel good to support them.
09/18/2011 11:28:21 AM CDT
Cyndeehule says ...
What an awesome creamery! I love EROS so much, How great are they right!!
09/18/2011 11:31:01 AM CDT
Vivian says ...
Thanks for bringing your farm to our home!
09/18/2011 11:34:53 AM CDT
Renee says ...
I like that it is solar powered and they treat their employees fairly which in turn allows a great product to me made. We buy organic yogurt as my husband cannot have all the extra junk in other yogurts for his health.
09/18/2011 11:42:31 AM CDT
Brian says ...
greek yogurt= bomb.com
09/18/2011 12:01:14 PM CDT
vita says ...
I love Eros greek yogurt. It is my favorite snack these days. Sweet, simple dairy goodness.. Much love to the cows and employees for making such delicious yogurt!
09/18/2011 12:16:57 PM CDT
amy martin says ...
vanilla greek yogurt has been a staple for us! especially in getting the kids to try new fruits and veggies....instead of ranch dressing~ thanks!
09/18/2011 12:17:31 PM CDT
Parrish says ...
I think it is wonderful to see companies go above and beyond for our environment. Keep up the good work. And I love their yogurt.
09/18/2011 12:45:06 PM CDT
jill says ...
i just bought some of this yogurt for a spinach dip - cant wait to try it! i love what they are doing keep up the good work
09/18/2011 1:12:55 PM CDT
crabpaws says ...
Brilliant! I wish more companies would do this. The yogurt sounds yummy, too.
09/18/2011 1:20:15 PM CDT
Claire Diegelmann says ...
The efforts put forth by Eros Yogurt should be publicized on a great scale so most people who believe that we can only be dependent on oil can understand we can be self-sufficient without it. We have only one Mother Earth, and Eros should be commended for their sustainable practices and making such a delicious product.
09/18/2011 1:32:45 PM CDT
Caitlin says ...
Eros is doing some wonderful things with their business.
09/18/2011 1:39:51 PM CDT
michael o says ...
Nice to see such a positive story.
09/18/2011 2:01:54 PM CDT
David Vande Vooren says ...
Thank You for creating a product that fills my need for something sweet and creaming without being unhealthy. Very much enjoy your products
Thank You
09/18/2011 2:42:52 PM CDT
Mia says ...
I recently began eating yogurt and it's nice to learn about the things Eros does so much to ensure a good healthy product.
09/18/2011 3:04:53 PM CDT
Lee Ann Medina says ...
She said it all in the last statement. "By treating our employees fairly we get people that care about the quality of the product." If the people don't care and aren't treated with respect then the animals are not treated that way and neither is the environment! Plain and simple.
09/18/2011 3:24:00 PM CDT
aimee says ...
Great work. Keep it up.
09/18/2011 3:24:20 PM CDT
eleonor laurea says ...
i buy greek yogurt regularly because thats my familys favorite,but i never thought of your product eros yogurt but when i saw the video and read the story,i was encouraged to try to buy the next time i will go to the whole foods near us at cicero and peterson.thanks.
09/18/2011 3:34:58 PM CDT
nicole says ...
Powering the farm with solar panels is very impresive and inspiring, also I love Eros Organic Greek Yogurt; it makes homemade mac'n cheese very creamy!
Welcome to Whole Story, the official blog of Whole Foods Market. Don't know us? In a nutshell, we are the world’s leading natural and organic grocer and we’re passionate about healthy food and a healthy planet. Learn more about us.
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