September 29, 2025

Austin Dominates H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best Contest

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 – Five small businesses received a collective $110,000 in prize money during H-E-B’s 12th annual Quest for Texas Best competition aimed at promoting local entrepreneurship and showcasing innovative Texas-made products.

Out of more than 370 submissions from Texas entrepreneurs, the finalists gathered in San Antonio to compete for cash prizes, shelf placement in H-E-B stores, and mentorship opportunities. This year’s winning products included a variety of items, such as peanut butter bites, tortilla chips, spices, and cocktail mixers, demonstrating the creativity and diversity of the state’s small business community.

OCA Foods, based in Austin, emerged as the first-place winner, earning $50,000 for its Brazilian peanut butter bites. Tozi Superfoods from Austin received the second-place award of $25,000 for its blue corn tortilla chips. Deli Spices, located in McAllen, took home the $15,000 for its popular birria spice mix, while Spicytude from Dallas and My Drink Bomb from Houston each secured $10,000 for sharing third place.

In addition to recognizing the top winners, H-E-B awarded a total of $135,000 to the finalists, with each of the remaining five finalists receiving $5,000. The overall enthusiasm surrounding the event was heightened by an awards ceremony that featured impressive displays and a celebratory atmosphere.

The Quest for Texas Best competition not only highlights the talent and innovation within Texas but also aims to foster local business growth. Over the past decade, H-E-B has awarded more than $2.5 million to Texas entrepreneurs and has discovered over 1,000 unique products through this initiative. Furthermore, 55 suppliers from the competition have achieved at least $1 million in sales to date.

This year, H-E-B’s Sourcing Managers reviewed submissions from nearly 150 cities across Texas. The company’s commitment to supporting small businesses is a long-standing tradition, reflecting its emphasis on local sourcing and community development.

In addition to the winning items, past competitions have featured products ranging from cookies and coffees to home goods and gardening tools. The strong representation of Texas entrepreneurs underscores the state’s rich entrepreneurial spirit.

H-E-B, which operates over 455 stores in Texas and Mexico, boasts annual sales exceeding $46 billion. The grocery giant is celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2023, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to serving the community and local suppliers.

As competition among small businesses continues to grow, initiatives like the Quest for Texas Best not only provide vital financial support but also serve as a launching pad for local entrepreneurs aiming to elevate their products and reach a broader market.