More than 800 Texans threw their hats into the ring submitting more than 1,200 products ready for H-E-B’s 2021 Quest for Texas Best. From books, beignets and bottled water, to syrups, sausage and seasonings, H-E-B’s business development and sourcing managers reviewed a host of products for potential placement on store shelves.
H-E-B has released the top 20 contestants, who will present their products for final judging on Aug. 25-26 at the San Antonio Food Bank. H-E-B Quest for Texas Best will adhere to all federal, state and city health and safety guidelines.
A panel of judges, selected by H-E-B, will determine the four winning products and award $25,000 to the grand prize winner, the title of “Texas Best” and placement on store shelves; $20,000 to the first-place winner; $15,000 to the second-place winner; and $10,000 to the third-place winner.
The 2021 Quest for Texas Best Finalists are:
- 1836 Farms;
- 2F Akaushi Beef;
- Adventures of Exo and Cy;
- BBs Season All;
- Bhoomi;
- Gabrick Barbecue;
- FolliePop’s;
- Grillnade;
- Howdy Homemade;
- Imperfekt Bites;
- Jam-Tex Cuisine;
- La Casa de Mi Abuela;
- Live to Give Water;
- Milano Products;
- Olla Express Café;
- Park Lane Pantry;
- Savor Patisserie;
- The Art of Pecan;
- The Stroop Club; and
- Yatab Mandazi.
Now in its eighth year, H-E-B Quest for Texas Best has expanded its search for the finest foods and beverages in the Lone Star State to also include non-food items. In addition to food creators and innovators, Texas-based purveyors of beauty items, toys, home goods, household necessities, gardening supplies, coolers and everything in between are now invited to join.
“We continue to be amazed at what Texans bring to the table and how their creations are received in stores,” said James Harris, director of diversity and inclusion and supplier diversity for H-E-B. “The creativity and resiliency of our Lone Star food, and now non-food, creators have elevated this contest with another year of unbelievable stories and products.”
Since launching the contest in 2014, H-E-B has reviewed more than 4,500 samples of the most creative and mouthwatering Texas-made food and beverages, deemed more than 750 unique products worthy of shelf placement and awarded nearly $1 million in prize money, marketing, supplemental support and mentoring.
Eligible products must not be available at any other large chain or retailer, and the vendors must be willing to sell exclusively to H-E-B. Additionally, Texas-based suppliers must also create, produce or co-pack the products in Texas.
