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

Donna says ...
I choose products by what I like, what's on sale, but mostly by the ethos of the company that produces them. Bravo Eros! I can feel good buying your product.
09/14/2011 7:00:11 PM CDT
joan marcus says ...
So nice to see a compassionate/thoughtful/forward thinking company! hopefully others will take your lead!
09/14/2011 7:00:31 PM CDT
Leo A says ...
I love yogurt! Eros is great
09/14/2011 7:01:21 PM CDT
Denise Johnson says ...
I think it's fantastic that they would go to great lengths to conserve resources.
09/14/2011 7:01:22 PM CDT
Shelly says ...
Anything that improves conditions for the cows is very important. Thanks for sharing this information!
09/14/2011 7:01:23 PM CDT
Melinda Abril says ...
I love natural foods.The're good for me and the enviornment.
09/14/2011 7:01:55 PM CDT
Lori says ...
It's all so simple, but you have to be committed to making it work. And by being successful with this, it leads the way for others to follow suit. Bravo!!!!!
09/14/2011 7:02:15 PM CDT
Scott says ...
I can't wait to try it!
09/14/2011 7:02:31 PM CDT
Judy says ...
I love that it's 'single source' yogurt and I really appreciate the care that Bice and the Williams brothers take with their businesses.
09/14/2011 7:02:33 PM CDT
Jennifer says ...
I think the efforts of Eros Organic Greek Yogurt and Diamond W Dairy are just what America needs. We need producers and growers of our food to care what goes into their product, and care how they are impacting our environment. I wish more companies would follow their lead. I am very particular about what I eat and feed my family, and Eros Organic meets my standards. Great Job!
09/14/2011 7:03:02 PM CDT
Teafortwo says ...
I am all for conservation in production; it could otherwise be a very wasteful endeavor. It is clear to me that those are very happy cows producing the milk for Eros yogurt.
09/14/2011 7:03:24 PM CDT
Sarah says ...
Awesome! I look forward to trying the yogurt.
09/14/2011 7:04:06 PM CDT
Judy says ...
I was introduced to Greek yoghurt in England by my sister in 2001 and was so happy to have it become popular in the US, especially produced by this wonderful company Eros.
09/14/2011 7:05:46 PM CDT
Annabelle says ...
I'm very surprised a company like yours takes it so seriously being green,I like how you care so much about the different aspects.
09/14/2011 7:06:15 PM CDT
maryann says ...
It is truly inspiring to find a company that takes all possible measures to produce products that not only are nutritious, but are eco friendly as well.
09/14/2011 7:06:23 PM CDT
Sarah Weiss says ...
Using solar energy is a wonderful choice and just one of the ways the creamery is proving to us that things can get done while conserving resources and paying attention to what's important!
09/14/2011 7:06:23 PM CDT
Karen says ...
They do a nice job.
09/14/2011 7:06:30 PM CDT
Mary Capps says ...
Love the organic and the sustainable practices that inform Eros' production!
09/14/2011 7:06:39 PM CDT
Terri says ...
Great company!
09/14/2011 7:07:31 PM CDT
joanne says ...
happy cows!!!
09/14/2011 7:07:45 PM CDT
Heather I says ...
I appreciate the lengths they go to in order to provide a quality product without giving up any of their integrity.
09/14/2011 7:07:52 PM CDT
Samantha says ...
Thank you Whole Foods for this story! I have not tried their yogurt yet, but will now be sure to do so. I am always happy to try new brands and of course in particular ones I know are treating the earth and its animals well!
09/14/2011 7:08:07 PM CDT
Luann says ...
Have never tried......but would love to!
09/14/2011 7:08:35 PM CDT
Nina says ...
I just can live without yogurt!
09/14/2011 7:08:40 PM CDT
Robin says ...
How refreshing to see a company whose operation is not solely driven by the bottom line. With a delicious product to boot!
09/14/2011 7:09:18 PM CDT

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