News Summary
H-E-B has unveiled the finalists for its 12th annual Quest for Texas Best competition, highlighting local entrepreneurs and Texas-made products. With $100,000 in cash prizes available, over 370 contestants from nearly 150 cities competed for a chance to have their products on H-E-B store shelves. Notable finalists include Klein Smokehaus Fine Quality Meats and The Lavish Goat, showcasing the creativity and innovation of Texas businesses. The competition culminates in a presentation event where judges will select the top products.
Texas – H-E-B, the Texas-based supermarket chain, has unveiled the finalists for its 12th annual Quest for Texas Best competition, which recognizes the top locally made products in various categories, including meats and spices. This year’s contest attracted over 370 creative entrepreneurs from nearly 150 Texas cities, all vying for their chance to showcase their goods on H-E-B store shelves across the state.
The competition will distribute a total of $100,000 in cash prizes to its winners, an impressive amount that underscores H-E-B’s commitment to supporting local businesses. Among the finalists, the top four products will receive monetary awards: the grand prize winner will take home $50,000 and the title of “Texas Best,” while second place receives $25,000, third place gets $15,000, and fourth place earns $10,000.
A live presentation event is scheduled for September 25 in San Antonio, where the finalists will demonstrate their products to a panel of judges appointed by H-E-B. The judges will evaluate the products and ultimately select the winners based on their quality and appeal.
Finalists Represent Diverse Innovations
This year’s finalists showcase a wide range of innovative products. Among them is Klein Smokehaus Fine Quality Meats, renowned for its Oak Smoked Bacon. Established in 1950, the company is co-owned by Clayton Klein and Colton Sells and operates out of Boerne, continuing a legacy of high-quality meat products.
Another notable finalist is The Lavish Goat, a women-led and minority-owned bath and body company based in Sugar Land. Founded during the pandemic by Candice and Sean Wheat, The Lavish Goat has quickly gained popularity, particularly for its menthol-infused shower steamers, which have appealed to wellness enthusiasts.
Empowering Local Entrepreneurs
James Harris, H-E-B’s Senior Director of Diversity & Inclusion, highlighted the competition’s goal to empower local entrepreneurs by providing them with resources, exposure, and mentorship that can accelerate their growth and success.
Supporting Local Products
Since its inception, the Quest for Texas Best competition has recognized over 1,000 local products and awarded nearly $2.75 million in prize money, reflecting H-E-B’s ongoing commitment to celebrating and promoting Texas-made goods. This initiative allows small businesses to gain significant visibility by reaching a broader customer base through H-E-B’s extensive retail presence.
As consumers increasingly seek local and unique products, competitions like Quest for Texas Best not only reward creativity and quality but also contribute to the local economy by encouraging entrepreneurship within the state. With a diverse array of finalists, this year’s competition promises to highlight the exceptional talent and innovation present in Texas’s small business community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- H-E-B Newsroom
- San Antonio Express-News
- Houston Chronicle
- Valley Central
- KENS 5
- Wikipedia: Texas
- Google Search: H-E-B Quest for Texas Best
- Google Scholar: Texas entrepreneurship
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas business
- Google News: H-E-B Texas Best
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.
