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

Sandra Murray says ...
Appreciate the info - I like to make a conscious choice when purchasing. Every purchase impacts the community.
09/19/2011 12:52:20 AM CDT
Vilte says ...
Love this yogurt and the people who make it!
09/19/2011 1:00:25 AM CDT
Jenni says ...
This is a great company to support! And yummy products too! :)
09/19/2011 1:41:29 AM CDT
Colleen says ...
By using solar power they are modeling wise behavior in our current times. Not only does this appear to be a modern and cost effective business choice to use solar power; it is also one that hopefully enriches the local environment and business community by generating new power sources while at the same time hiring local solar workers to put in panels and thus creating more jobs. If the quality of their product matches their community integrity then this a product one can feel good purchasing and enjoying.
09/19/2011 4:02:14 AM CDT
Jeannie M Romanello says ...
This article and effort of these people/companies make me more aware more conscious of my own personal responsibilities. I appreciate them/you giving me a choice to choose an alternative to the norm. How I would LOVE to participate and earn an income using wisdom the way you are! Carry on!
09/19/2011 5:40:46 AM CDT
sylvia garcia says ...
That is wonderful! I think it would benefit so many if we could subsidize farmers purchases of solar powered systems for their farms instead of subsidizing them for using GMO products. I am starting to vote with my dollars, but what else can we do?
09/19/2011 6:44:32 AM CDT
Emily E. says ...
Eros sets a great example of a model that is sustainable, and yet profitable, demonstrating that you do not have to sacrifice profitability for environmental and social responsibility.
09/19/2011 7:59:43 AM CDT
erica says ...
Thanks so much for that wonderful and informative video! I can't wait to try Eros Organic Greek Yogurt! I'm so excited!
09/19/2011 8:00:59 AM CDT
Glory says ...
Eros and Diamond W Dairy are leading the way- years from now, when other creameries can't continue operating because of the high cost of running their businesses on fossil fuels, Eros and Diamond W Dairy will be shining brightly.
09/19/2011 8:19:34 AM CDT
Janis says ...
How awesome that they have been so diligent in finding so many ways to not only conserve energy, but to create their own energy. Together with their care and concern for the well-bing of their cows, this is a phenomenal combination. I will certainly make it a point to not only buy their products but to tell friends and family about them as well. Well Done!
09/19/2011 8:37:35 AM CDT
Beatrice says ...
Love it!
09/19/2011 8:39:26 AM CDT
jo evans says ...
The Eros Yogurt family cares about the earth so mooooooch!!!
09/19/2011 8:58:26 AM CDT
Julie L. says ...
I just recently ate Greek yogurt for the 1st time & it was amazing! I am so thankful that Eros sets such a great example for other companies to follow in being green & producing a wonderful organic product. And my body thanks you as well!
09/19/2011 9:45:10 AM CDT
Brooke says ...
It's wonderful to see a company stand behind what they say like Eros does!
09/19/2011 10:15:46 AM CDT
sarah jamesse says ...
Hopefully sooner than soon all farmers and food suppliers can give their plants and animals a more viable environmentally responsible life style. With all the strange chemicals and fake food around, so many people and areas of the earth are riddled with disease. Thanks for showing us a responsible company!
09/19/2011 10:26:09 AM CDT
Kathryn Measel says ...
Amazing keep up the hard work.
09/19/2011 10:36:49 AM CDT
Diane says ...
I like plain Greek yogurt and add my own fruit--and Eros is a wonderful, organic brand. I appreciate all the thoughtfulness and efficiency that they put into their production, too.
09/19/2011 10:44:11 AM CDT
Anne says ...
Nice to see solar power at work!
09/19/2011 11:07:22 AM CDT
Adriana Ayuso says ...
I think this is amazing, I mean they are taking a passion that has come from her parents and moving forward with the times. Not only are the producing a wonderful product they are not sacrificing jobs, nor work environment for it. I commend them on their continued green and organic initiative, and look forward to seeing other companies follow suit. This is the kind of company we as consumers need to stand behind ^_^
09/19/2011 11:26:33 AM CDT
Orazie Slayton says ...
I think the efforts by Eros Yogurt are commendable I only hope more companies will follow their example!
09/19/2011 11:33:07 AM CDT
Ann C. Schmidt says ...
Reading the Eros family commitment to responsible support of the land, the product, and all of their workers sets an example for all of us to follow. May all who hear and see your story take home a deeper respect for our land, our families, as well as the enjoyment of your delicious Eros yogurt.
09/19/2011 11:58:15 AM CDT
Jackie O'Grady says ...
"Fair Trade at home" - this quote made by Jennifer Bice stood out for me. Eros is an example of a business that watches its impact on the environment; provides income for and treats its employees well; all the while giving consumers a fantastic product. It reminds me of what Whole Foods stands for. Way to go Eros - and Whole Foods!!
09/19/2011 11:59:13 AM CDT
Maggie says ...
That is great that business is moving forward with environmental friendly means to their productions. Should support these effort for sure. Good job Eros Yogurt and WFM for supporting such businesses!
09/19/2011 12:40:17 PM CDT
Matthew says ...
I applaud their commitment to a high quality product! They truly stand behind what they sell and appear to work hard in keeping up that level of service!
09/19/2011 12:45:24 PM CDT
christine says ...
Wonderful product!!! I LOVE whole foods and the good things they sell for my family to ensure good healthy meals.
09/19/2011 12:54:11 PM CDT

Pages