H-E-B recently revealed the top 10 finalists in its 11th annual Quest for Texas Best competition, a search for the finest Texas-made products — including several from North Texas.
These small businesses will go head-to-head with other Texas-based entrepreneurs for a share of $70,000 in cash prizes and the opportunity to have their products featured on H-E-B's shelves.
In recent months, H-E-B’s business development managers have evaluated over 16 hours of video submissions from 470 innovative entrepreneurs representing more than 118 cities across Texas.
Included in the top 10 are North Texas small businesses such as frozen filled naan from Dallas-based Marasi Foods; blue corn butterscotch pancake mix from Oak Cliff restaurant Encina; sports drinks from Dallas-based HydroNation; chamoy candy from Dallas-based Sarape Treats; and honey dust from Bee King's in Canton.
On Aug. 9 at Fair Park in Dallas, the finalists will showcase their products and share their stories before a panel of judges chosen by H-E-B. The judges will select the four winning products, awarding $25,000 to the Grand Prize winner, who will be named “Texas Best” and have their product featured on store shelves. The first-place winner will receive $20,000, second-place will get $15,000 and third-place will be awarded $10,000.
“Small businesses drive innovation and keep our communities vibrant, which is why we are dedicated to finding and supporting the best small businesses in Texas,” H-E-B Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity James Harris, Sr said in a statement. “We are amazed year after year by the creative products submitted for the competition and look forward to making these inventive products available to our customers.”
Since the competition's inception in 2014, over 1,000 unique food items, beverages, and general merchandise have found their way onto H-E-B store shelves. To date, H-E-B has awarded $2.2 million in prize money, along with marketing, mentoring and additional support. Additionally, 55 Quest for Texas Best suppliers have been honored with a commemorative H-E-B Million Dollar Club belt buckle for reaching $1 million in sales.
Don't miss anything Local. Sign up for our free newsletter.