SAN ANTONIO — Five small businesses took home a collective $110,000 in prize money on Thursday after impressing judges with their unique products during H-E-B’s 12th annual Quest for Texas Best.
H-E-B kicked off its statewide search for standout Texas-made products earlier this year, reviewing submissions from more than 370 entrepreneurs across the Lone Star State. The finalists gathered in San Antonio for the opportunity to win prize money, shelf placement and marketing and mentoring opportunities.
“We are always so impressed by the creativity of our fellow Texans and the incredible products they submit to Quest for Texas Best,” said James Harris, Sr. Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity for H-E-B. “This competition is about more than just awarding prize money – it is about discovering new ideas, fueling local and small business growth, and bringing unique Texas products to H-E-B shelves.”
In the past decade, H-E-B has awarded over $2.5 million to Texas entrepreneurs and discovered more than 1,000 products. Of these products, 55 Quest for Texas Best suppliers have achieved at least $1 million in sales.
This year’s winning products included an assortment of peanut butter bites, tortilla chips, spices and cocktail mixers. In addition to the top five winners, H-E-B surprised the remaining five finalists each with $5,000, reaching a total of $135,000 awarded to the top 10 finalists.