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 the Logo...I Love your philosophy...Your farm looks like a haven for cows...I Love that too.
I will buy your yogurt after seeing your video...Thank you for caring so much about what you do and the environment. We all need to think about what we do to our Earth. It is so great that you care too...Rock On!
09/14/2011 7:37:27 PM CDT
Holly Perry says ...
ANything we can do individually or together helps the earth and all its people. I applaud you, Jennifer Bice! everyone should be so motivated!
09/14/2011 7:37:44 PM CDT
LOIS JASON says ...
They have set an example for all farms and business to follow. We are our Brother's keeper. Giving back is the only way to conduct one's life.
09/14/2011 7:37:54 PM CDT
Michelle says ...
Sounds sustainable, healthy and delicious.
09/14/2011 7:38:01 PM CDT
Ann says ...
It takes a lot of love and devotion! Clearly evident in how the yogurt tastes!!! Super yummy that my body thanks me everyday!
09/14/2011 7:38:16 PM CDT
Peter says ...
Not only do Jennifer and Ron appear as sincerely happy folks, but I am impressed how the cows in the video appear very alert, healthy, and photogenic.
09/14/2011 7:38:27 PM CDT
Elizabeth says ...
cannot wait to try it! :)
09/14/2011 7:38:40 PM CDT
K. says ...
I like to read articles like these. They help keep me informed as to where my food comes from.
09/14/2011 7:38:43 PM CDT
Kristie says ...
What an amazing and inspiring company! This is something I am happy to spend my money on. Thanks for all your hard work and care!
09/14/2011 7:39:03 PM CDT
Angeli Leggitt says ...
Thank you for your efforts at sustainability and for using our sun to generate energy! I am a cancer survivor and organic is very important to my well being and health. I have not tried Eros, but will do so on my very next WF visit. Angeli
09/14/2011 7:39:23 PM CDT
Joe says ...
It's nice to see people this day in age who care about their impact on the environment. A refreshing story.
09/14/2011 7:39:44 PM CDT
Barb Grant says ...
Impressive!
09/14/2011 7:39:54 PM CDT
Kris says ...
It's so encouraging to see such a thoughtful process!
09/14/2011 7:40:28 PM CDT
heather says ...
Wonderful
09/14/2011 7:40:37 PM CDT
Suzette says ...
I think the efforts that Eros Organic Greek Yogurt makes to conserve resources in its creamery is highly commendable. This creamy should be used as a model for other creameries. They are leading by example. Knowing this now and knowing that Eros is organic, it will lead me to look for their yogurt the next time I shop at Whole Foods as opposed to whatever yogurt might be on sale. Can't wait to try it!!
09/14/2011 7:40:50 PM CDT
Sandra says ...
Their efforts are impressive! I have never tried this yogurt, but it sounds delicious and I definitely will after reading about this company.
09/14/2011 7:41:02 PM CDT
Julie says ...
Operated on 100% solar power . . . very impressive. I'll have to look for Eros when I'm at Whole Foods tomorrow.
09/14/2011 7:41:30 PM CDT
Eddy says ...
Their efforts are very impressive
09/14/2011 7:41:31 PM CDT
Justin Marino says ...
One drop of water multiplied becomes a flood. One company respecting the planet multiplied becomes utopia.
09/14/2011 7:41:44 PM CDT
Dee S says ...
This is fantastic! This absolutely makes me want to do business with this humane company. Thank you!
09/14/2011 7:42:01 PM CDT
Evelyn says ...
That's quite impressive. Buying Eros is more than just getting great yogurt. My favorite is mixing plain with high quality muesli, bee pollen and buckwheat honey.
09/14/2011 7:42:27 PM CDT
Susan Ginnings says ...
I totally applaude your hard work to conserve energy in your operation. I have looked at what you are doing closely as we are recently retired and returning to "the family farm" and want to utilize wind, solar and all conservation methods we can. Thanks for being a fantastic exsmple to others.
09/14/2011 7:42:48 PM CDT
Terri says ...
I love it!! Way to go green and make a product that is healthy. I hope more people follow your example!
09/14/2011 7:43:07 PM CDT
Sue says ...
What an amazing company!! I am so impressed byt their standards fo operation and concern for all living things they employ to produce a superior product. Thank goodness for a company this environmentaly conscientious. I am a fan and willl be glad to become a customer.
09/14/2011 7:43:47 PM CDT
My says ...
Must be hard to make such statement in this economy Yogrurt is yogurt so what makes this special? Organic creaminess 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.
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