H-E-B narrows in on its Quest for Texas Best
H-E-B has narrowed its annual Quest for Texas Best competition down to 20 finalists.
The San Antonio-based retailer’s exclusive supplier search that can result in new owned brand rollouts for the retailer received more than 1,200 products to consider this year.
The 2021 program officially launched in March and the 20 finalists will now present their products for final judging on Aug. 25-26 at the San Antonio Food Bank.
The retailer posted an inspiring video revealing the winners and sharing the news with them.
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.
This year, its eighth, the H-E-B Quest for Texas Best program expanded beyond foods and beverages produced in Texas, selecting producers of beauty items, toys, home goods, household necessities, gardening supplies, coolers and more.
“We continue to be amazed at what Texans bring to the table and how their creations are received in stores,” said James Harris, director, diversity and inclusion and supplier diversity, 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."
A look at some of the finalists
Since launching the contest in 2014, H-E-B has reviewed more than 4,500 samples of the most creative 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.
A list of the top 20 finalists are:
- 1836 Farms – Terrell, DFW
- 2F Akaushi Beef – Santa Elena, RGV
- Adventures of Exo and Cy – McAllen, RGV
- BBs Season All – Forney, DFW
- Bhoomi – Austin
- Gabrick Barbecue – Dripping Springs
- FolliePop’s – Austin
- Grillnade – McAllen, RGV
- Howdy Homemade – Dallas
- Imperfekt Bites – Del Valle, CTX
- Jam-Tex Cuisine – Houston
- La Casa de Mi Abuela – Mission, RGV
- Live to Give Water – Dallas
- Della Nonna – McAllen, RGV
- Olla express Café – San Antonio
- Park Lane Pantry – Dallas
- Savor Patisserie – Dallas
- The Art of Pecan – Dripping Springs
- The Stroop Club – Austin
- Yatab Mandazi – McKinney, DFW
All the winners can be viewed here.