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 it. It takes a ton of work but they are making a HUGE difference. I applaud them!
I will definitely be on the look out for their product now!
09/20/2011 6:45:42 PM CDT
Rob says ...
Thank you for everything you do... from the land to the treatment of animals... it all makes a difference for our planet and stomach!!!!
You can taste the difference.
09/20/2011 6:47:05 PM CDT
Ashley says ...
It is great to see their efforts toward sustainability within their factories. Thanks for the behind-the-scenes scoop! I'll have to give their yogurt a try!
09/20/2011 7:32:17 PM CDT
Debbie Desselle says ...
I love that you use 100% solar power and that you took baby steps to make your farm organic. You are right, it takes one step at a time to make change.
09/20/2011 7:42:00 PM CDT
Amie says ...
So inspiring! To use one dairy to provide milk for their yogurt really means a lot to me and shows they really care about their internal relationships as well as the quality of their product. Bravo!
09/20/2011 8:18:10 PM CDT
MELISSA G says ...
Impressed by the quality and caring in every step, I look forward to trying this yogurt soon.
09/20/2011 8:48:07 PM CDT
Meenakshi says ...
Love Greek Yogurt and love the idea of "local collaboration" and going green - this yogurt is now on my must try list :)
09/20/2011 9:02:19 PM CDT
Rosemary Parish says ...
This sounds like a great product. I will gladly try some next time I am in Whole Foods. I am hoping that this is a full fat yogurt. It is almost impossible to find Greek style yogurt which is. Yogurt should be kept as a whole food, that is not separated from the naturally occurring fat because it contains enzymes which help to break the food down. Fat is actually good for you in moderation.
09/20/2011 9:09:43 PM CDT
D Paul says ...
Can't wait to try their yogurt.
09/20/2011 11:08:44 PM CDT
Laura says ...
I LOVE seeing more fair trade in the world! Keep it up!
09/20/2011 11:09:37 PM CDT
Mel says ...
It's quite admirable to know that there are quality products that really make a difference in the planet. The use of solar energy may be the highlight of making a difference in the world, for a better planet. I also admire how the company cares about their employees.
09/20/2011 11:20:11 PM CDT
Carrie says ...
Great story! I love the self sustainability.
09/20/2011 11:44:28 PM CDT
TomG says ...
I am moo-ved by their story. I didn't realize that dairies used so much power. Maybe burn some of the methane emitted by the cows? Seriously, it sounds like a great product.
09/21/2011 1:01:26 AM CDT
Phoenix says ...
I very much appreciate this company's prioritising making their business sustainable, & even more appreciate their treating their cows well.
09/21/2011 7:18:00 AM CDT
Kevin G. says ...
Great product.
09/21/2011 7:50:34 AM CDT
Anna King says ...
I must say I learned a lot from this article and video. I didn't know about the longevity of this organic farm the two brothers/owners have who are doing "ALL" the right things for our planet from animals to humans. From fair trade with their workers, use of solar panels to conserve energy, maintaining 600 organic cows out of 700 cows on the farm, and converting all new calves to produce organic milk. I commend this farm and Eros for teaming up. I have never tried Eros product but I will now knowing everything I've learned about these companies and the hard work, love and care they put into it not just for their business but for their customers. Thanks for bringing us this and all the information on your site.
Best of Health,
Anna
09/21/2011 7:52:54 AM CDT
Karen says ...
WOW! I must give this yogurt a try! Thanks Whole Foods!
09/21/2011 8:02:08 AM CDT
Maryann says ...
It is so great to see a company using solar power to produce an organic yogurt that one could feel good about feeding to their families.
09/21/2011 8:54:03 AM CDT
Melinda says ...
I love that Eros is saving energy and talking about how important it is. Great to see them getting the word out, and making a great product at the same time!!
09/21/2011 9:26:23 AM CDT
Karin says ...
Great product!! Wish you could have more flavors and also use almond milk instead of regular milk.
09/21/2011 9:41:34 AM CDT
Nicole says ...
Delicious and environmentally friendly!
09/21/2011 11:37:26 AM CDT
echapin says ...
I can't wait to try this yogurt and suppport businesses taking steps to make high quality products and lessen their impact on the environment
09/21/2011 11:48:07 AM CDT
Marjorie Perkins says ...
Full circle good stewardship of all that goes into the product makes a good product better.
09/21/2011 11:53:00 AM CDT
Lisa says ...
Kudos to all the hard working and conscientious organic farmers and the stores who sell organic products!! You set an excellent example for others to follow.
09/21/2011 12:11:03 PM CDT
Heather says ...
We need more farmers today doing what they are!
Thank you!
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!