September 26, 2025

Deli Spices Wins $15,000 for Award-Winning Birria Mix

News Summary

McAllen’s Deli Spices has scored a $15,000 prize by earning second place at H-E-B’s 12th Annual Quest for Texas Best competition with their Birria Spice mix. This small business, owned by Sully and Gilberto Villareal, releases a product that simplifies making authentic birria at home. Their recognition provides valuable exposure, allowing them to sell their mix statewide. H-E-B’s initiative supports local entrepreneurs, fostering growth within the Texas community while rewarding innovation.

Texas – A local business from McAllen, Texas, named Deli Spices has gained significant recognition by securing second place in H-E-B’s 12th Annual Quest for Texas Best competition. The competition, which revolves around showcasing local products created by Texans, awarded Deli Spices a cash prize of $15,000 for its acclaimed Birria Spice mix.

This year’s Quest for Texas Best competition saw participation from over 370 products submitted by diverse producers across almost 150 cities in Texas. Out of these submissions, only ten items were selected as finalists, highlighting the cut-throat competitiveness of the event.

Deli Spices was nominated as a finalist in August and its owners, Sully and Gilberto Villareal, attended the final judging held in San Antonio. The Birria Spice mix, which is a blend of real dried chiles and toasted spices, is uniquely formulated to enable users to prepare authentic birria in under 30 minutes at home, thus catering to the growing demand for convenient cooking solutions.

As a result of this achievement, Deli Spices will have the opportunity to sell its Birria Spice mix across H-E-B stores throughout Texas, significantly expanding the product’s market reach. This platform will not only increase visibility for Deli Spices but will also contribute to the growing trend of supporting local businesses.

The H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best competition aims to empower local entrepreneurs by providing them with valuable resources, exposure, and mentorship. The competition’s rewards extend beyond cash prizes, with the top winners receiving recognition and potential avenues for sales growth. This year, the Grand Prize winner is awarded $50,000, the first-place winner receives $25,000, and the third-place winner is granted $10,000 in addition to Deli Spices’ prize.

Since its inception, H-E-B has recognized and rewarded nearly $2.75 million in prize money to local entrepreneurs. The company’s commitment to supporting local businesses is reflected in its ongoing efforts to nurture homegrown products. Additionally, H-E-B has honored 55 suppliers with a commemorative H-E-B Million Dollar Club belt buckle, recognizing those who have achieved $1 million in sales.

The Quest for Texas Best competition is a notable feature in H-E-B’s portfolio of initiatives, designed to uplift the local community and promote the unique products that Texas has to offer. The competition not only identifies exceptional food and beverage items but also showcases various home goods and beauty products crafted by Texans, cultivating a sense of pride and connection to local craftsmanship.

As more consumers seek to support local businesses, awards like those from H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best provide an essential platform for these entrepreneurs to thrive. Deli Spices’ recent success serves as a testament to the quality and innovation present in Texas’ culinary landscape, and their exciting journey aims to inspire others in the local community.

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Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN

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