Last updated on September 8th, 2023 at 12:50 pm
H-E-B has named the 10 finalists in its annual Quest for Texas Best competition.
Over the span of a decade, nearly 1,000 food items, beverages and general merchandise have made it to H-E-B shelves through its Quest for Texas Best competition. This year, these companies will compete for $70,000 in cash prizes and earn placement on H-E-B’s shelves.
10th Annual Competition
Over the past few months, H-E-B’s business development managers have reviewed more than 21 hours of video submissions for 632 products produced by entrepreneurs representing 132 cities across Texas.
The following 10 Texas-based companies were selected as finalists:
- A’HUA! Sparkling Agua Fresca;
- Texas Babe Tanning Oil;
- Armagh Creamery – Armagh Creamery Organic Yogurt;
- Brisket Boss – Savory Peach Molasses Seasoning;
- Funky Mello – Sweet N Salty Dippsterz;
- PhoLicious – Authentic Vietnamese Rice Noodle Soup;
- Sorrento Ristorante – Paste Sauce;
- Sweets With L&L – Cotton Candy;
- Verdegreens – Farmstand Salad Dressing; and
- Wella – Wella Grain-Free Cereal.
On Aug. 9 at Fair Park in Dallas, all H-E-B Quest for Texas Best finalists will present their products. The panel of judges will determine the four winning products and award $25,000 to the grand prize winner, deemed the “Texas Best” and placed on store shelves. The first-place winner will be awarded $20,000, $15,000 will go to the second-place winner and $10,000 to the third-place winner.
“We recognize the important role small businesses play in our industry and welcome the opportunity to support their journey,” said James Harris, senior director of diversity and inclusion and supplier diversity for H-E-B.
“Not only are we supporting small business in Texas, we’re also expanding our selection of innovative, diverse and quality products our customers expect.”
Competition provides small business support and product diversity
Over the span of a decade, more than 6,000 products have been highlighted in the H-E-B Quest for Texas Best competition. During that time, more than 990 unique food items, beverages and general merchandise have made it to H-E-B shelves.
Over 10 years, 180 finalists have made it to the judges’ table. They represent a lineup of small local businesses owned by women, minorities and military veterans with diverse backgrounds.
Since launching the contest in 2014, H-E-B has awarded $2 million in prize money, along with marketing, mentoring and supplemental support. Additionally, H-E-B has awarded 50 Quest for Texas Best suppliers with a commemorative H-E-B Million Dollar Club belt buckle for achieving $1 million in sales.
