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

Karen Sobel says ...
When I watched the video and read about the way in which Eros Organic Yogurt is made, I realized that this is the ideal for food making. Happy employees and happy cows will make an Organic product with great energy. Then, saving energy by the use of solar power reduces the footprint for all of us. To top it all off, the taste of creamy Eros makes me enjoy the experience even more. Thank you for being so thoughtful.
09/14/2011 7:17:26 PM CDT
Cheryl Salisbury says ...
It's very impressive to see a face and a story behind the great products that we love so much.
09/14/2011 7:18:09 PM CDT
Tammy says ...
I think that knowing what I am putting in my body isn't helping destroying the planet makes my body happy! We are part of this wonderful Earth. Nuture yourself. Nuture the Earth!
09/14/2011 7:18:15 PM CDT
Janet says ...
Truly a product that makes you happy to buy from a company that makes me proud to support.
09/14/2011 7:18:28 PM CDT
beth jeck says ...
I love tp take the plain yogurt and mix it with my wheat grass in the morning. My hubby uses the plain for his cereal in the am
09/14/2011 7:18:29 PM CDT
Jerry Feit says ...
It's wonderful to know that these individuals are so much in touch with conservation methods, and at the same time providing an excellent product to consumers!
09/14/2011 7:19:27 PM CDT
Lisa says ...
Eros was the only yogurt that I liked while pregnant and to find out what high standards they hold for their ingredients really shows in their product. To find out they go the extra mile in sustainability was even more impresive!
09/14/2011 7:19:30 PM CDT
Colleen Walsh says ...
Very innovative and refreshing, just like their yogurt.
09/14/2011 7:19:41 PM CDT
Paul R. Brenner says ...
Care, balues, innovation, sensibility, creativity, collaboration -- you represent the absolute best in sustainable high quality agriculture what you have accomplished is extraordinary. You are a model for others in making what you have achieved! Plus, it from the pictures it is obvious you love what you are doing and its shows in everyway.
09/14/2011 7:20:13 PM CDT
Crystal says ...
The fist word that comes to my mind is WOW! Some days this world really scares me and I feel very jaded and worried. Then I read something like this and I'm like a little kid again filled with hope about making a difference one person at a time. Thank you for that!!!
09/14/2011 7:20:21 PM CDT
Mark DuVall says ...
Nice..Sweet ..solar is the way to go. Eros is a great product.
09/14/2011 7:20:22 PM CDT
nancy williams says ...
Food produced with love and care gifts/shares the energy with everyone who enjoys it continuing the pleasure. my mantra is 'best when shared" Thanks for sharing.
09/14/2011 7:20:24 PM CDT
Chris Lange says ...
It sounds wonderful!
09/14/2011 7:20:39 PM CDT
Julia says ...
Fantastic! Love the "fair trade at home" idea. Too bad that treating employees well is a novel concept, but hey, maybe other companies will catch on :) What a great combination of organic, family farming, and equitable labor practices.
09/14/2011 7:21:09 PM CDT
Libby Haynes says ...
It inspires me, as a small business owner, to find more ways to offer sustainable products to MY customers! I love their passion.
09/14/2011 7:21:40 PM CDT
Mary Beth Haley says ...
I love it!!!!!!!!!
09/14/2011 7:21:44 PM CDT
Stephanie Rosch says ...
Treating everyone and the environment so well makes for an awesome company, way to go who'd foods and Eros yogurt!
09/14/2011 7:22:40 PM CDT
Sarah says ...
Very impressive, especially for such a large company! Glad they are setting an example for the industry.
09/14/2011 7:23:15 PM CDT
Myron says ...
It's refreshing to know that another wholesome & nourishing food is available at Whole Foods.
09/14/2011 7:23:42 PM CDT
Sherri says ...
I don't eat dairy for reasons of conscience. Even the organic dairy industry supports veal production.
09/14/2011 7:23:43 PM CDT
Kiet says ...
inspiring
09/14/2011 7:23:44 PM CDT
Laura McKenzie says ...
Good article! I'll look for this product when I'm next at Whole Foods.
09/14/2011 7:24:23 PM CDT
SC says ...
Organic Greek Yogurt produced with 100% solar power! Win Win Thanks ...
09/14/2011 7:24:30 PM CDT
Kristi says ...
Wow, very impressive! The dairy is organic and green which takes a lot of effort. I wish more companies would make this kind of effort. Thank you!
09/14/2011 7:25:25 PM CDT
Liesl Trimnell says ...
I am particularly struck by the beauty of the open fields and free ranging "happy" cows. Such a contrast to the misery of the commercial cow industry. It seems Eros is doing a great job conserving resources in its creamery by using solar panels and by converting to wholly organic over time. I look forward to trying this product! Liesl
09/14/2011 7:25:32 PM CDT

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