News Summary
McAllen’s Deli Spices has scored a $15,000 prize by earning second place at H-E-B’s 12th Annual Quest for Texas Best competition with their Birria Spice mix. This small business, owned by Sully and Gilberto Villareal, releases a product that simplifies making authentic birria at home. Their recognition provides valuable exposure, allowing them to sell their mix statewide. H-E-B’s initiative supports local entrepreneurs, fostering growth within the Texas community while rewarding innovation.
Texas: McAllen’s Deli Spices Wins $15,000 for Birria Spice Mix
A local business in McAllen, Deli Spices, has gained statewide recognition after securing second place in H-E-B’s 12th Annual Quest for Texas Best competition. The business received a cash prize of $15,000 for its innovative Birria Spice mix, which is designed to help home cooks create authentic Birria dishes quickly and easily.
The Quest for Texas Best Competition
Every year, H-E-B, a popular grocery chain in Texas, organizes this competition to highlight the best new products created by Texans. This year’s event attracted over 370 products from nearly 150 cities across the state, showcasing a wide range of culinary talent. Among more than 100 competitors, Deli Spices stood out as one of the ten finalists, demonstrating both quality and creativity.
A Passion for Flavor
Deli Spices’ award-winning product, the Birria Spice mix, contains real dried chiles and toasted spices, allowing anyone to prepare a delicious Birria meal in under 30 minutes. This product not only offers convenience but also delivers authentic flavor, appealing to food enthusiasts and everyday cooks alike. The judges at the Quest for Texas Best were clearly impressed by this unique offering.
More Than Just a Prize
Winning the cash prize is a significant milestone for Deli Spices, but the honor of participating in the Quest for Texas Best brings additional benefits. The company will now have the chance to sell its Birria Spice mix in H-E-B stores statewide, providing invaluable exposure that can lead to increased sales and brand recognition. This opportunity is essential for small businesses looking to grow and reach a broader audience.
Empowering Local Entrepreneurs
The Quest for Texas Best is more than simply a competition; it aims to empower local entrepreneurs. H-E-B is dedicated to providing resources, exposure, and mentorship to participants, which can create crucial opportunities for small businesses to thrive. Since its inception, the initiative has awarded nearly $2.75 million in prize money and marketing assistance, demonstrating its commitment to sustaining local commerce and fostering innovation.
The Top Winners
This year, the grand prize winner took home $50,000, while first and third place received $25,000 and $10,000 respectively. The competition not only rewards the top products but also provides valuable exposure to all participants. This recognition can lead to future sales and collaborations, regardless of placement in the competition.
A Bright Future for Deli Spices
Deli Spices is poised for a bright future after its recent achievements. With its award-winning Birria Spice mix set to hit the shelves of H-E-B stores across Texas, the company is optimistic about reaching a larger customer base. The excitement generated by this victory highlights the potential for local businesses to succeed and grow through innovative products and community support.
This result emphasizes the importance of celebrating local entrepreneurship in Texas and acknowledges the creativity and dedication of businesses like Deli Spices in making Texas a flavorful and diverse culinary landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Valley Central: McAllen Business Places Top Five in H-E-B Quest for Texas Best 2025
- Texas Monthly: La Cocinita McAllen – Tacos with International Influence
- KRGV: McAllen Business Named Finalist in H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best Competition
- Texas Border Business: Deli Spice Cooking Spices of McAllen Named a Top 10 Finalist in Quest for Texas Best
- Wikipedia: H-E-B
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
