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 has awarded five small businesses a total of $110,000 in prize money during the annual Quest for Texas Best competition organized by H-E-B. This year’s contest saw over 370 Texas entrepreneurs submitting their innovative products aimed at gaining recognition and support in the competitive marketplace.
The finalists came together in San Antonio to showcase their products and compete for cash prizes, shelf placement in H-E-B stores, and mentorship opportunities. The Quest for Texas Best competition is designed to promote local business growth and highlight unique products that are manufactured within Texas.
Among the notable achievements at this year’s event, OCA Foods from Austin was awarded the first-place prize of $50,000 for its popular Brazilian peanut butter bites. The second-place winner, Deli Spices from McAllen, received $15,000 for its birria spice mix. Tied for third place were Spicytude from Dallas and My Drink Bomb from Houston, each securing $10,000.
The rewards did not stop with the top three positions. Each of the remaining five finalists, who further demonstrated exceptional creativity and product offerings, received $5,000, leading to a total prize distribution of $135,000 among the top 10 finalists. The winners showcased a variety of products, including blue corn tortilla chips by Tozi Superfoods from Austin, which earned a $25,000 prize, and other items such as tortilla chips, spices, and cocktail mixers.
This year, H-E-B’s Sourcing Managers carefully reviewed submissions from nearly 150 cities across Texas, reflecting the depth of talent and entrepreneurship throughout the state. Since the inception of the Quest for Texas Best competition, H-E-B has dispensed over $2.5 million to Texas entrepreneurs, helping to discover more than 1,000 unique products from across the region. The program also boasts that 55 suppliers who have previously participated achieved at least $1 million in sales, underlining the significant impact of the competition on local businesses.
James Harris, a senior director at H-E-B, noted the remarkable creativity displayed by Texas entrepreneurs, further confirming the company’s commitment to fostering local talent and innovation. The event incorporated an engaging awards ceremony, filled with stunning displays and a celebratory atmosphere that resonated with the pride of Texas’s diverse offerings.
H-E-B, celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2023, operates over 455 stores across Texas and Mexico and generates sales exceeding $46 billion. The Quest for Texas Best is a testament to the company’s dedication to supporting local businesses and ensuring the growth of the Texas economy. Past editions of the competition have featured a wide array of products, encompassing everything from cookies and coffees to home goods and gardening tools, thereby continuing to support Texas’s vibrant small business landscape.
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 COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos 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 the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
