Grocery shoppers will have to look elsewhere for Chobani Yogurt next year, after Whole Foods announced plans Wednesday to not sell the product according to ABC News.
The news comes after Whole Foods wants to focus on offering products that do not have genetically modified organisms since consumers have become concerned that Chobani makes products containing milk filtered out from cows that are given GMO animal feed.
"As the national demand for Greek yogurt has grown, the number of conventional Greek yogurt options has multiplied," Whole Foods said in a statement ABC News reported. "Whole Foods Market challenged its Greek yogurt suppliers to create unique options for shoppers to enjoy -- including exclusive flavors, non-GMO options and organic choices. At this time, Chobani has chosen a different business model, so Whole Foods Market will be phasing Chobani Greek Yogurt out of its stores in early 2014 to make room for product choices that aren't readily available on the market."
Chobani recalled some of its Greek yogurt product at Whole Foods, A&P Fresh, and Kroger in September after hearing news about swelling or bloating in the cups.
The company investigated the matter and found that mold usually found in dairy products may be the cause.
"Though we have limited distribution within Whole Foods, they have been a wonderful and an important partner of ours over the years," Chobani said in a statement ABC News reported. "As the number one Greek yogurt brand in America using only natural ingredients, we share an affinity with Whole Foods and its shoppers. We know our fans love buying our products in their stores and we hope to continue our partnership moving forward. To some extent, you could say it's the Whole Foods brand equity, rather than the brand of the product, that gives the stamp of approval on products in Whole Foods stores," Kenneth Perkins, an analyst with Morningstar told ABC News.
