Last updated on September 8th, 2023
H-E-B announced the winners of the 2023 “Quest for Texas Best” competition Aug. 9 at Fair Park in Dallas.
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of “Quest for Texas Best,” the 10 finalists were each surprised with a $10,000 check, in addition to their initial awards. This brought the overall total awarded to $185,000.
“Once again, we have seen and tasted the best Texans have to offer, and we look forward to adding more Texas-made products to our shelves,” said James Harris, senior director, diversity and inclusion and supplier diversity.
“Today, everyone walked away a winner, and we can’t wait to share with our customers the creative products from these amazing small businesses.”
The 2023 “Quest for Texas Best” competition
Over the past few months, H-E-B’s business development managers have viewed and reviewed more than 21 hours of video submissions for 632 products produced by entrepreneurs representing 132 cities across Texas.
H-E-B’s 2023 “Quest for Texas Best” winners are:
- Grand Prize: PhoLicious – Instant Pho from Houston;
- First prize: Verdegreens – Farmstand Salad Dressing from Houston;
- Second prize:
- Sweets with L&L – Cotton Candy from Spring;
- A’HUA! – Sparkling Agua Fresca from Jasper; and
- Third prize: Armagh Creamery – Organic Yogurt from Dublin.
The judges were:
- Winell Herron, H-E-B group VP of public affairs, diversity and environmental affairs;
- Mike Jarzombek, H-E-B SVP of sales and marketing, North West food/drug;
- Esther Castelo, H-E-B SVP of e-store operations, curbside/home delivery;
- Javier Avalos, H-E-B SVP and general manager, San Antonio region food/drug;
- Chef Scott Tompkins, H-E-B culinary development manager;
- Erin Booke, food and entertainment editor at the Dallas Morning News; and
- Chet Garner, creator, host and executive producer of Texas travel show, The Daytripper.
The decade-long competition
For a decade, H-E-B’s “Quest for Texas Best” competition has scoured the state for the finest local products to line store shelves for all Texans to enjoy. More than 6,000 products have been highlighted in the competition, and more than 990 food items, beverages and general merchandise have achieved shelf placement at H-E-B.
Over 10 years, 180 finalists have made it to the judges’ table. They represent a dynamic and diverse lineup of small local businesses. Since launching the contest in 2014, H-E-B has awarded $2 million in prize money along with marketing, mentoring and supplemental support. Additionally, H-E-B has awarded 50 “Quest for Texas Best” suppliers with a commemorative H-E-B Million Dollar Club belt buckle for achieving $1 million in sales.
