SAN ANTONIO — From hundreds of entries to the top 10, H-E-B has announced the finalists for its 12th annual Quest for Texas Best competition, which celebrates the best Texas-made products. These small businesses will compete for $100,000 in cash prizes and the opportunity to have their creations featured on H-E-B shelves across the state.
H-E-B’s sourcing managers reviewed more than 370 submissions from nearly 150 Texas cities before selecting this year’s finalists. On September 25, the chosen entrepreneurs will pitch their products in San Antonio before a panel of judges. The competition will crown four winners, awarding $50,000 to the Grand Prize recipient, who will also earn the title “Texas Best” and shelf placement, while first-, second- and third-place winners will take home $25,000, $15,000, and $10,000, respectively.
“Quest for Texas Best is not only designed to find the best Texas-made products, but also to empower local entrepreneurs with the resources, exposure, and mentorship they need to grow,” said James Harris, H-E-B Sr. Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity. “H-E-B was once a small business, so we understand the power and potential they can have, and we cannot wait to share the winning selections with our customers.”
Over the past 12 years, H-E-B has discovered more than 1,000 products across categories ranging from baked goods, salsas, and spices to beauty items, toys, and gardening supplies. The grocer has awarded nearly $2.75 million in prize money, along with marketing support and mentoring, helping local entrepreneurs scale. To date, 55 suppliers have been welcomed into H-E-B’s Million Dollar Club, recognized with a commemorative belt buckle after achieving $1 million in sales.
This year’s competition continues that tradition of celebrating innovation, entrepreneurship, and Texas pride, with the winning products set to hit H-E-B shelves following the competition.
