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.
That's fascinating and very cool about the solar panels. I haven't heard of this brand but will check it out - I try to eat Greek yogurt daily, I love it.
09/14/2011 7:26:34 PM CDT
Kim says ...
I think it's admirable that they make such an effort to conserve resources, but as a vegan I wish that their products were not dairy-based since raising animals for consumption has such a terrible impact on the environment.
09/14/2011 7:27:02 PM CDT
Danielle says ...
Good for the earth and good for my family! I love it!
09/14/2011 7:27:05 PM CDT
Mariana says ...
Fantastic 100% solar!
09/14/2011 7:28:54 PM CDT
Marianne Lanphier says ...
Greek yogurt rocks.
09/14/2011 7:29:02 PM CDT
Melanie Rogers says ...
I am amazed and impressed with the Eros company...completely runs on solar power and many other power saving efforts...Plus there products are organic. Its a win win situation. I will absolutely buy there products...I also love the whole foods stores...
09/14/2011 7:30:01 PM CDT
Rick says ...
It is refreshing to see a company producing a quality product while choosing to be responsible in its 21st century approach.
09/14/2011 7:30:06 PM CDT
Emily says ...
Solar-powered, organic, delicious! What's not to like?
09/14/2011 7:30:56 PM CDT
colleen says ...
Kudos to your company for making the effort to run your business both ethically and responsibly. I definitely enjoy spending my money on products made by companies Like Eros.
09/14/2011 7:30:57 PM CDT
Pam says ...
I love this yogurt. It is creamy, smooth and has a great taste.
09/14/2011 7:31:12 PM CDT
Peggy Ayres says ...
If only all food companies could operate like Eros Yogurt - not only do they treat their employees fairly, they use renewable substantial resources (solar) for ALL their energy needs while providing the public with a good tasting, organic, made in the USA food product. Way to go!
09/14/2011 7:31:18 PM CDT
GLADYS CARBO FLOWER says ...
A breath of fresh air in a world where quantity trumps quality, expedience trumps caring.
Hey, we're all in this together so let's celebrate and aim for he best as Oikos does...no compromise
09/14/2011 7:31:55 PM CDT
alice makuch says ...
Sounds tasty, can't wait to try some.
09/14/2011 7:32:02 PM CDT
sandra says ...
Great attitude and wonderful yogurt...how can you miss ?! Am delighted to support a company with such outstanding values
09/14/2011 7:33:25 PM CDT
Ana says ...
Wonderful. Love it!
09/14/2011 7:34:28 PM CDT
Janet G says ...
Well done Eros and Whole Foods -- Keep up the good work.
09/14/2011 7:34:33 PM CDT
Val says ...
Great Job Eros!
09/14/2011 7:34:49 PM CDT
Suzanne says ...
I love those happy cows! I wish more companies would use solar power. I will have to try some Eros when I come in to the store soon.
09/14/2011 7:34:50 PM CDT
Sara says ...
fabulous
09/14/2011 7:35:00 PM CDT
Linda says ...
It's so encouraging to see the greening of companies. Fantastic Eros is 100% solar and to be commended further for their comprehensive approach. It sounds like this is a company that is attempting to green every aspect of their business from motion-sensor lights to computer-controlled water usage to a centralized dairy supply to eliminate the cost and energy expended in getting the milk to the creamery. They would be an excellent model for other companies to learn from. Well done.
09/14/2011 7:35:28 PM CDT
MJackson says ...
The process they use is amazing and for so many years. I can't believe they have sustained such a high level generation after generation. The company is truly a pioneer in sustainability and the yogurt is fantastic. MJackson
09/14/2011 7:36:11 PM CDT
Susanne says ...
I wish more companies would be like this.
09/14/2011 7:36:15 PM CDT
Victoria Richter says ...
Three thumbs up for Eros yogurt and its creator who gave it the name of the God of love and truly put so much love into it! It's so impressive to see the roofs covered by solar panels while you rarely see it in our residential areas.
09/14/2011 7:36:20 PM CDT
April says ...
I love that it is a family dairy and they are so keen on going green.
09/14/2011 7:36:39 PM CDT
Rosemary Erickson says ...
Eros Organic Greek Yogurt is the greenest of all:)
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!