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.
Solar power: another step towards successful self-sustainability!
09/15/2011 6:53:28 PM CDT
Carl Wright says ...
We all do what we can. Thanks for your concern.
09/15/2011 6:54:52 PM CDT
Nadia says ...
I loved seeing the cows outside in the sun and not inside a factory. One of the many reasons to love Whole Foods.
09/15/2011 6:55:00 PM CDT
martha says ...
.. its amazing how far companies like this have come, and how genuinely concerned they are for our planet as well as the food products they supply. BRAVO!
09/15/2011 6:59:03 PM CDT
Gina says ...
Nice to learn about a truly conscious company! Keep up the great work!
09/15/2011 6:59:37 PM CDT
Meagan says ...
I love seeing a company that is proving renewables are great for the bottom line!
09/15/2011 6:59:44 PM CDT
Keith says ...
I bought Eros Organic Greek Yogurt at Whole Foods Market because it was on sale. Now I've been shot by Eros' arrow and am in love with it. The thick, creamy, flavorful goodness and organic wholesome is fantastic. Now that I know about the consciousness of Eros, I'm totally devoted!
09/15/2011 7:00:46 PM CDT
Camille says ...
Awesome! Love the solar energy, the one dairy (makes so much sense) and the commitment to providing a high quality, organic product. And it's delicious, too>
09/15/2011 7:01:25 PM CDT
DeAnne Biglin says ...
So glad you support solar power (common sense,huh?) It's a sunny way to yummy yogurt!
09/15/2011 7:03:13 PM CDT
cindy says ...
I certainly am impressed and very grateful that you take into consideration all the facets of making a great product so that we can enjoy it. i certainly do not take it for granted that people do things for the benefit of all of us having a better life, down to the smallest details of our daily lives. thank you for your your contributions and i really enjoy your product. Namaste.
09/15/2011 4:21:34 PM CDT
Jan says ...
You can really taste the difference in the high quality dairy. I appreciate your efforts to be both health-conscious and environmentally sound.
09/14/2011 10:31:30 PM CDT
Nancy Page says ...
So glad we made the switch to Greek yogurt, we didn't know what we were missing. Love the part about treating employees fairly. The caring comes out in the product!
Nancy Page
09/15/2011 4:23:04 AM CDT
nik says ...
I like that they use solar power and seem really active in seeking out other conservation improvements.
09/15/2011 5:08:32 AM CDT
Erica says ...
I really like Eros's commitment to not only good quality ingredients, but also the environment. It is obvious that the company takes a holistic approach to providing excellent quality to its customers while helping future generations. Without environmental sustainability, our kids won't even have the opportunity to eat Eros yogurt!
09/15/2011 5:10:36 AM CDT
Barbara Crowley says ...
I think especially now in this day and age where the personal touch has been taken out of so many items on the market today, it is so wonderful to see a company so comitted to keeping it real.
09/15/2011 7:49:21 AM CDT
Irene Burgos says ...
I enjoyed this video and will send it to my sister in Wi to watch. She too is an Organic Farmer, "Bull Brook Keep", raising cows for beef. I will be now buying Eros Yogurt since yogurt is such a big part of my natural foods diet. Thanks!
09/15/2011 8:18:06 AM CDT
Mira says ...
Wonderful. Way to go Eros!
09/15/2011 8:19:00 AM CDT
Dave Bennett says ...
Great Story!!!
09/15/2011 8:31:53 AM CDT
Jan says ...
I didnt know about the care that Eros uses in their products and because of it, I will be buying them.
09/15/2011 8:31:59 AM CDT
Stephanie Cryer says ...
It does show that you can make a great product and give back to the land and the people. What a wonderful example of setting a higher standard! And they make great yogurt as well!
09/15/2011 2:20:41 AM CDT
Phoebe says ...
Wow. This yogurt is only sold at Whole Foods, made expressly for Whole Foods.
09/14/2011 11:04:58 PM CDT
Christina says ...
More power to solar (power) :)
09/15/2011 1:38:45 AM CDT
nadia says ...
Love the solar power and partnership with local organic dairy..
09/15/2011 1:40:34 AM CDT
Linda says ...
I am looking forward to buying Eros Yogurt---I love the packaging AND will feel good about the company's green and ethical practices.
09/15/2011 5:40:52 AM CDT
Roseann Gerson says ...
Best YOGURT EVER!!!! No really - -it is expensive but it is yummy!
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.
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