Greek Gods Yogurt: A Cultural Experience
Ever wonder how a product is born? How someone gets the idea for a new food or beverage and turns it into a runaway hit? Sometimes there are expensive consulting groups involved, or magical "a-ha!" moments. But sometimes the inspiration comes from something as simple as your own heritage.
In 2004, three longtime friends — Vasili Nassar, Sotirios Tselios and Stephanos Margaritis — brought together their professional backgrounds in food and manufacturing to launch a line of authentic Greek style foods. The criteria: the products had to best reflect their Greek heritage, family values and culinary traditions. Sotirios and Stephanos spent their childhoods in Greece; Vasili is half Greek.
One of the obvious candidates was yogurt. Because, despite the fact that the U.S. was flooded with popular mass market yogurt brands, a real Greek wouldn't recognize the stuff. In the sprawling laiki markets of Athens and the estiatorios and tavernas of Thessaloniki, yogurt is a very thick, rich, higher milk fat, higher protein food. Because the Greeks strain their yogurt, it has a very different consistency from U.S. yogurts, and is incorporated into tzatziki dips, cooked in many sweet and savory dishes, and is sometimes even served as a treat.
The three friends knew that once the U.S. public tried the Greek-style yogurt, the products would speak for themselves. Gaining shelf space and market share against the Dannons and Yoplaits of the world would not be easy. But the "three Greek Gods" worked diligently to educate retailers about Greek yogurt; what followed was a breakout success and cult following for their yogurt.
The Greek Gods' traditional Greek yogurts contain only quality ingredients and probiotics for healthful living, including rBST/rBGH-free milk, natural juices, and a thick and creamy consistency that could be habit-forming (in a good way, of course!).
After milk pasteurization, five live active cultures including probiotics are added to the formula; a special incubation process and constant monitoring of the pH level allow them to grow at just the right temperature, which also bolsters the yogurt's thickness. The creamy taste and unique flavors come from using a higher milk fat and straining process that makes for a much smoother body.
Greek yogurt provides a great source of calcium and protein; mixed with nuts and fruit it makes the perfect anytime meal. The Greek Gods Yogurt is always gluten-free (not all flavored yogurts are), so the product is safe for those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities.
You'll find The Greek Gods' popular Honey-Strawberry variety at Sprouts in the 24 oz. size, alongside the Honey, Pomegranate, Fig, Vanilla, and whole fat and nonfat Plain flavors. Other popular products include Pagoto Ice Krema (available in some Sprouts stores), which is made with mastic resin in the Greek tradition; and Lebni—a kefir cheese that can be thought of as Greek sour cream.
Fit for a god (but loved by mere mortals!), The Greek Gods Yogurt has become a huge favorite of Sprouts customers and employees alike. Stop by and experience the myth for yourself.
from the April, 2010 edition of Fresh Off the Press
