Five Small Businesses Take Home $110,000 in Prize Money and Shelf Placement
Rockwall, TX – September 25, 2025 – H-E-B today announced the winners of its 12th Annual Quest for Texas Best competition, a statewide search celebrating the creativity and innovation of Texas-based entrepreneurs. After a final round of judging in San Antonio, five small businesses were awarded a combined $110,000 in prize money and the opportunity to see their unique, Texas-made products on H-E-B store shelves.
“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.”
The 2025 H-E-B Quest for Texas Best Winners Are:
Grand Prize Winner ($50,000): Oca Foods – Peanut Butter Bites and Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Bites (Austin, TX)
First Place Winner ($25,000): Tozi Super Foods – Totopos (tortilla chips) and Tortillas (Austin, TX)
Second Place Winner ($15,000): Deli Spices – Birria Spice Mix (McAllen, TX)
Third Place Winner ($10,000 – Tied): Spicytude – Spices (Dallas, TX)
Third Place Winner ($10,000 – Tied): My Drink Bomb – Cocktail Mixers (Houston, TX)
In addition to the five winners, H-E-B surprised the remaining finalists with $5,000 each, bringing the total awarded this year to $135,000.
Since its inception, Quest for Texas Best has spotlighted more than 1,000 products ranging from cookies, coffees, and empanadas to pickles, pho, salsas, and spices. Non-food submissions have included beauty items, toys, home goods, gardening supplies, and more. This year, H-E-B’s Sourcing Managers reviewed over 370 entries from nearly 150 cities across Texas.
Over the past 12 years, H-E-B has awarded nearly $2.75 million in prize money, in addition to providing winners with marketing, mentoring, and supplemental support. To date, 55 suppliers have earned a place in H-E-B’s Million Dollar Club, a milestone recognized with a commemorative H-E-B belt buckle.
About H-E-B
H-E-B, with sales of more than $46 billion, operates over 455 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. Recognized for fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a strong commitment to sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience at low prices. Headquartered in San Antonio, H-E-B employs more than 170,000 Partners and proudly serves millions of customers across more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com and the https://newsroom.heb.com/
Submitted by Christie Garella, Vice President, Dancie Perugini Ware Public Relations
