News Summary
In a remarkable event celebrating innovation, H-E-B awarded five small businesses a total of $110,000 during its 12th Annual Quest for Texas Best competition. Over 370 Texas entrepreneurs showcased their products for a chance to win cash prizes and valuable mentorship. This year’s top prize went to OCA Foods from Austin for their peanut butter bites. The contest highlighted the vibrant entrepreneurship scene in Texas, with H-E-B supporting local talents through various initiatives.
Texas
In an inspiring display of entrepreneurial spirit, five small businesses emerged as winners during H-E-B’s 12th Annual Quest for Texas Best competition, receiving a total of $110,000 in prize money. This event took place in San Antonio, where more than 370 Texas entrepreneurs gathered to showcase their innovative products in hopes of gaining recognition and support.
Competitive Showcase
The Quest for Texas Best competition not only offered lucrative cash prizes but also the opportunity for finalists to secure shelf placement in H-E-B stores, alongside essential mentorship for their business endeavors. The contest aims to promote local businesses and spotlight a range of unique products made in Texas.
Financial Investments in Local Talent
H-E-B’s commitment to supporting Texas entrepreneurs is clear; this year alone, the company has distributed over $2.5 million to entrepreneurs in the past decade, bringing over 1,000 unique products to light. Many of these businesses have significantly benefited from the competition, with 55 suppliers achieving more than $1 million in sales, enhancing the local economy.
Highlighting 2023 Winners
The excitement surrounding the competition was palpable as the winners were announced, showcasing a diverse range of products. The top prize of $50,000 was awarded to OCA Foods from Austin for their innovative Brazilian peanut butter bites. Deli Spices from McAllen followed closely, winning $15,000 for their popular birria spice mix. A tie for third place meant both Spicytude from Dallas and My Drink Bomb from Houston received $10,000 each for their unique offerings. Tozi Superfoods from Austin also garnered attention, taking home the $25,000 first-place award for their blue corn tortilla chips. Furthermore, all other finalists received $5,000 each, resulting in a total prize pool of $135,000 awarded to the top 10 finalists.
A Celebratory Event
This year’s competition transformed into more than a contest—it was a vibrant awards ceremony filled with pride celebrating Texas talent. H-E-B’s Sourcing Managers reviewed submissions from nearly 150 cities throughout the state, highlighting the innovative capabilities of Texas entrepreneurs. Past competitions have showcased a wide array of products, from enticing cookies to aromatic coffees, home goods, and inventive gardening tools.
H-E-B’s Commitment
H-E-B, a major retail player operating over 455 stores in Texas and Mexico with annual sales exceeding $46 billion, marks its 120th anniversary in 2023. The company remains dedicated to nurturing local entrepreneurship through initiatives like the Quest for Texas Best competition, which encourages the growth of a diverse community of local businesses.
As the event concludes and the winners celebrate their achievements, the outlook is bright for Texas entrepreneurs. With continued support and initiatives like the Quest for Texas Best, the Lone Star State is set to remain a fertile ground for innovation and creativity in the years to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- H-E-B Newsroom
- Wikipedia: H-E-B
- San Antonio Express-News
- Google Search: H-E-B Quest for Texas Best
- Spectrum News
- Google Scholar: H-E-B local businesses
- Houston Chronicle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business Competitions
- Valley Central
- Google News: H-E-B Quest for Texas Best 2025
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.
