AUSTIN — H-E-B has announced the winners of its 13th annual Quest for Texas Best competition, recognizing five Texas-based small businesses whose innovative products stood out among a record field of entrants.
This year's competition attracted 978 product submissions from more than 500 companies across Texas, making it the largest contest in the program's history. The five winning businesses shared $110,000 in prize money, with the Grand Prize winner earning the coveted title of Texas Best along with the opportunity to have its product placed on H-E-B store shelves.
In addition to the top five winners, the remaining five finalists each received $5,000, bringing the total prize pool awarded this year to $135,000.
"Texas entrepreneurs bring bold ideas and exceptional products to communities across our state," said James Harris, senior director of diversity, inclusion and supplier diversity at H-E-B. "Because H-E-B began as a small business, we understand the difference that meaningful support and access can make. Through Quest for Texas Best, we are honored to champion these innovators as they take the next step in building their businesses and reaching more customers."
The winners include:
- Grand Prize ($50,000): Sol Dias (Haltom City) – Family-owned Mexican ice cream and fruit paleta company (guaranteed shelf placement).
- First Place ($25,000): La Fregona (Bastrop) – Artisan seasoning and Mexican street corn chilito sauce company.
- Second Place ($15,000): Hive Food Co. (Houston)
- Third Place / Tie ($10,000 each):
- Dean & Peeler Meats (Floresville)
- Uncle Marc's Barbecue Rub (Glenn Heights / North Texas)
The 2026 finalists showcased a diverse array of Texas-made products spanning food, beverages and general merchandise. Entries ranged from frozen cookie dough and smoked sausage to infused honey, specialty seasonings, street-corn sauce, pet treats and cocktail mixers, highlighting the breadth of innovation emerging from small businesses across the state.
Since launching the competition in 2014, H-E-B's Quest for Texas Best program has helped spotlight more than 1,000 Texas-made products and awarded nearly $3 million in prize money. In addition to cash awards, participants benefit from marketing support, mentorship and opportunities to grow their businesses through exposure to one of the state's largest grocery retailers.
