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 enjoy the taste and am very happy with the way this company is run. I never knew all of the whole story. I will tell even more of my family and friends to use any and all products from this company.
09/19/2011 3:58:30 PM CDT
Christine says ...
Wow. Solar power. This blows my mind. Thanks so much for leading with integrity!
09/19/2011 4:31:43 PM CDT
Christine says ...
Thanks for caring about quality!
09/19/2011 4:32:07 PM CDT
Ryan says ...
Thanks Eros, I love the yogurt and now I love the company too. Are you hiring?
09/19/2011 4:46:15 PM CDT
Lianna says ...
I appreciate their efforts, and would love to see some other companies follow suit. I can't wait to try their yogurt.
09/19/2011 4:50:56 PM CDT
Jennifer Martin says ...
Eros yogurt is setting a precedent that hopefully others will follow. As a 3rd grade teacher, I'm always looking for ways to integrate ecology, healthy choices and environmental responsibility. Eros' ethical approach to their business serves as a perfect example that I can use in my classroom. Thanks! (And the yogurt is good, too!)
09/19/2011 5:49:43 PM CDT
Irene Gale says ...
wonderful story. Great organic products
09/19/2011 5:54:13 PM CDT
Irene Gale says ...
wonderful story. Great organic products
09/19/2011 5:54:13 PM CDT
Anna Crandall says ...
This is exactly what we need! Organic yogurt without all the corn syrup, plus the Greek has twice the protein! Thanks for offering me a choice!
09/19/2011 6:02:50 PM CDT
Sharon Hunt says ...
I'm really impressed! It is helpful to know how a brand makes their product and about the high standards they have.
09/19/2011 6:42:10 PM CDT
barbi says ...
wonderful company!
09/19/2011 6:42:41 PM CDT
Margaret C. says ...
Respect for employees and environment make wholesome food awesome!
09/19/2011 6:43:20 PM CDT
Ryan says ...
I think it's great! Very interesting....
09/19/2011 6:59:52 PM CDT
Jamie says ...
How great to see a company return to making food in a good, eco-friendly manner! I love seeing solar fields like the one in the clip! Way to go Eros!
09/19/2011 7:11:32 PM CDT
Raewyn says ...
I think it's wonderful! Bravo!
09/19/2011 7:11:33 PM CDT
D. Elizabeth says ...
I love love love Greek yogurt. It's my favorite for lunch with some fresh fruit and high fiber cereal nuggets. I am excited to try Eros brand. And I'm very impressed with their ethics.
Thank you for sharing these stories about products and suppliers.
09/19/2011 7:21:55 PM CDT
Kathleen Conner says ...
America needs more companies like Eros, that are running their business with one eye on the future.
09/19/2011 7:26:11 PM CDT
Rhonda says ...
I am very excited to learn about Eros yogurt. I eat yogurt almost every day. I really like how you guys strive to give us your very best possible. Can't wait to try your yogurt. I love the solar energy conservation.
09/19/2011 8:35:06 PM CDT
Annie G says ...
I try to feed organic food from local and sustainable sources and this Eros yogurt fits the bill. Congrats to Whole Foods for bringing this to your customers!
09/19/2011 9:17:52 PM CDT
Belinda Gross says ...
If every company that is based in america did what they are doing we could be in better circumstances as a country in so many ways. I love to shop and support companys that care more than about profit. I love what they said anout their employees, that is true through and through. I wish I could could work for them.
09/19/2011 9:28:04 PM CDT
Carrie K says ...
Refreshingly awesome, Thank You
09/19/2011 10:48:10 PM CDT
Angela A. says ...
Bravo for fair trade locally, organic creamery, and solar power! An inspiration for all businesses, hopefully others will follow. This is great to see and hear, thank you Whole Foods for sharing this story.
09/19/2011 11:33:28 PM CDT
Deborah says ...
Thanks for your great example! I hope that more dairies and creameries can take the responsible steps that you have. If I see your yogurt in my local store, I will definitely try it!
09/19/2011 11:37:42 PM CDT
YVONNE VASQUEZ says ...
I think the company's conservation efforts are extremely commendable, especially the solar power, which sets a great example for other companies out there. Eros Yogurt is also a great-tasting product which I enjoy!
09/19/2011 11:53:42 PM CDT
Jenelle Gallardo says ...
I love how they're caring not only about the environment but the animals and the customers. Also I love greek yogurt! so versatile!
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.
We’re lucky to have a whole bunch of smart, passionate people doing incredible things in areas like organics, supporting local growers, green practices, fair trade, micro-lending and all kinds of food related stuff. We’ll use this blog to share some of the cool things going on around here.
Of course what makes this blog really exciting is YOU — so join the conversation!