Whole Story

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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

Diane Massura says ...
I am impressed by the company's three-fold concern for organic, sustainable, and employee-friendly practices.
09/14/2011 6:36:46 PM CDT
Donna says ...
Great video, company, and products! Kudos for not only doing the right things, but making something delicious as well!
09/14/2011 6:37:00 PM CDT
Laura C says ...
Admirable, and something that should be done on a grander scale.
09/14/2011 6:37:45 PM CDT
Marcia De Fren says ...
I like the fact that, not only is Eros organic but the production process is "green." Needless to say, I love the combination of honey and yogurt - what could be healthier?
09/14/2011 6:37:51 PM CDT
Barbara Neumann says ...
In a time when so many companies are looking at ways to cut costs, it is nice to learn about a company like yours that takes pride in producing an organic Greek Yogurt in a way that not only treats employees fairly, but takes measures to conserve on energy, invest in two acres of solar panels to fuel the plant and commit to one dairy that cares for their cows well. Barbara
09/14/2011 6:39:50 PM CDT
Martin says ...
I applaud companies that do there part to conserve resources.
09/14/2011 6:39:56 PM CDT
Cecelia Ellis says ...
It's good to see a realistic view of where a product comes from. Those of us who do not farm tend to forget milk is not created in factories. It's good to remember that we are all connected to the workings of the earth.
09/14/2011 6:40:12 PM CDT
david says ...
Greeks do it correct
09/14/2011 6:40:42 PM CDT
Lisa Kimoto says ...
Nice to see such care put into a product these days. WIsh I was in California to enjoy more products from the Diamond W diary and look forward to trying Eros Yogurt!
09/14/2011 6:41:40 PM CDT
Carlos says ...
Great example of an innovative way for solar energy usage and how to conserve it. The yogurt sounds great also. Have to try it next time i visit.
09/14/2011 6:41:51 PM CDT
daver says ...
Eros and Helios are a natural combination!
09/14/2011 6:42:54 PM CDT
Maureen Ames says ...
YUM! Just came from Whole Foods using my Social Network's coupon and purchased some Eros Organic Greek Yogurt which happened to be a sale item. I was glad it was Eros because it is my favorite yogurt -- thick, creamy, DELICIOUS.
09/14/2011 6:43:13 PM CDT
NStricker says ...
Not just happy cows, but happy owners and patrons. I will seek out Eros yogurt to show my support!
09/14/2011 6:43:29 PM CDT
KLynne Smithson says ...
This conservation of resources is fabulous. The company is showing that it cares for its effect on the environment and yet still produces a quality product.
09/14/2011 6:43:42 PM CDT
Mike Franklin says ...
Jennifer, you are golden! Thanks. Mike
09/14/2011 6:44:05 PM CDT
NancyB says ...
Eros Organic Greek yoghurt? Now on my shopping list which I'll use with a Groupon. Thank you Eros and Whole Foods. Thank you.
09/14/2011 6:44:41 PM CDT
Nina says ...
I think it is so important to live and grow sustainably. Why ingest anything that is dead and has little if no nutritional value? I love that this company has decided to go organic - more and more will follow. We have eaten yogurt from a small organic creamery, and the quality and taste has always been so outstanding.
09/14/2011 6:45:10 PM CDT
Barry Cherney says ...
Anytime organic farmers incorporate solar panels in their dairy operation they should be commended. More people should be thinking green and organic. Healthier lives fro us all! Kudos to Eros yogurt and Diamond W Dairy!
09/14/2011 6:45:29 PM CDT
kat says ...
I would buy this brand over others since energy is used wisely and cows are treated well. I just took a trip to the beautiful sonoma valley. The honey flavor sounds great.
09/14/2011 6:45:32 PM CDT
Virginia says ...
Truly inspiring. It goes to show how all of us as either individuals, groups, and companies can have a positive impact. Plus yogurt with a sprinkle of passion tastes amazing.
09/14/2011 6:46:12 PM CDT
LaVonne says ...
I applaud the efforts your company is going to. It sounds fabulous & very responsible.
09/14/2011 6:46:24 PM CDT
Amy says ...
I don't eat dairy products.
09/14/2011 6:46:51 PM CDT
Barry Cherney says ...
Anytime organic farmers incorporate solar panels in their dairy operation they should be commended. More people should be thinking green and organic. Healthier lives for us all! Kudos to Eros yogurt and Diamond W Dairy!
09/14/2011 6:46:54 PM CDT
Pierre says ...
Very cool. They sound like they love what they do.
09/14/2011 6:47:10 PM CDT
Karin Lyngstad says ...
I love yogurt and I love to be more green in my consumer choices so this is a win-win anyway you look at it! Thanks for sharing this inspiring introduction to your company. Much continued success!
09/14/2011 6:47:40 PM CDT

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