Whole Foods Market has released the first Certified Humane Raised and Handled, organic, low fat yogurt.

The authentic Greek style yogurt, named after the Greek God of Love – Eros, is made with cow’s milk from small family farms. The yogurt is also kosher certified, gluten free, sourced to avoid GMOs, and contains live, active probiotic cultures to aid in digestive tract and immune system health.

“Whole Foods Market helped to pioneer the popular Greek yogurt category and Eros takes our offerings to the next level,” said Errol Schweizer, senior global grocery coordinator for Whole Foods Market. “Eros was developed with our shoppers in mind – with responsible sourcing practices and superior quality and taste and at a great value price.”

Eros Organic Greek Yogurt is made with only the freshest organic milk using an all-natural evaporation method to achieve its thick texture without the use of powdered milk solids or gelatin. Available in Plain, Honey, Strawberry, Blueberry and Vanilla flavors, Eros Organic Greek Yogurts feature the highest quality organic fruits and Grade A organic wildflower honey, natural vanilla and evaporated cane juice for a naturally sweet taste.

To find out more, visit the Whole Foods Market site.

Tags: business, certification, product launch, Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market intends to open a new location in Jamaica Plain. They intend to take over Latin American grocery store Hi-Lo Foods on Centre Street.

Not everyone is happy about Whole Foods moving in to the Jamaica Plain neighbourhood. A vigorous online debate has been playing out in relation to Whole Foods’ stated intentions.

Comments from supporters of Whole Foods Market include:

So, does every new business moving into JP need to meet the “neighbors can’t afford it” test? How about restaurants..real estate agencies..etc. This is the most ridiculous kerfuffle. (SusieSorority)

and

Wow, people do really want a communist society that decides what business has a right to operate and which ones don’t. Sad. Has Whole Foods done anything illegal? Nope (bostonphoto1)

Comments from critics of Whole Foods Market include:

Whole Foods is too expensive for anyone except for rich yuppies to shop in! Be better to put in a supermarket chain that caters to everyone! The yuppies have taken over JP and don’t care about anybody but themselves! Yuppies can afford the prices at Whole Foods but nobody else can! Another example that the rich come first and to hell with anybody else! (Galwayman)

and

Whole Foods sells frijoles,they just cost 5 bucks a can…what i don’t get is they’re worried their property value will go UP because of an upscale grocery store???…wouldn’t you WANT that?…not to mention the jobs and revenue this place will bring? (ErinOttoB)

Love them or loathe them, Whole Foods Market understands its demographic. They don’t open new locations with an intention of failing. Importantly, over the years they’ve shown an enormous capacity to embrace the communities they’ve become a part of. Will Whole Foods’ JP location work out for them? Only time will tell. But rest assured, Whole Foods’ are well aware of what they’ve entered into.

Laura Derba, Whole Foods’ North Atlantic regional president, said in a statement:

“Whole Foods Market has been keenly interested in developing a Jamaica Plain location. We are now eager to become active members of such a strong, diverse neighborhood and to open a store that is reflective of the vibrant community.”

Following a period of renovations, the new store is expected to create positions for around 100 employees.

This will be the fourth Boston location for Whole Foods, which also has stores at Charles River Plaza, on Westland Avenue near Symphony Hall and on Washington Street in Brighton.

What are your thoughts? Do you live in a community that has been impacted – either positively or negatively – by the arrival of a Whole Foods Market?

Tags: business, consumers, controversy, Whole Foods Market