H-E-B has announced the 20 contestants who will present their products as part of the retailer’s 2021 Quest for Texas Best competition, Aug. 25 and 26. More than 1,200 food, beverage, and non-food products from the Lone Star State were submitted as part of the annual contest.
A panel of judges, selected by H-E-B, will determine the four winning products and award $25,000 to the Grand Prize winner, along with placement on store shelves. The first place winner will receive $20,000, $15,000 will go to the second place winner, and $10,000 to the third-place winner.
The finalists are:
• 1836 Farms
• 2F Akaushi Beef
• Adventures of Exo and Cy
• BBs Season All
• Bhoomi
• Gabrick Barbecue
• FolliPop’s
• Grillnade
• Howdy Homemade
• Imperfekt Bites
• Jam-Tex Cuisine
• La Casa de Mi Abuela
• Live to Give Water
• Della Nonna
• Olla Express Café
• Park Lane Pantry
• Savor Patisserie
• The Art of Pecan
• The Stroop Club
• Tatab Mandazi
“We continue to be amazed at what Texans bring to the table and how their creations are received in stores,” said James Harris, director, Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity, H-E-B, in a statement. “The creativity and resiliency of our Lone Star food, and now non-food, creators have elevated this contest with another year of unbelievable stories and products.”
Since launching the contest in 2014, H-E-B has reviewed more than 4,500 samples of Texas-made food and beverages, deemed more than 750 unique products worthy of shelf placement, and awarded nearly $1 million in prize money, marketing, supplemental support, and mentoring. Eligible products must not be available at any other large chain or retailer, and the vendors must be willing to sell exclusively to H-E-B. Additionally, Texas-based suppliers must also create, produce or co-pack the products in Texas.
Related: H-E-B Opens Lubbock Location; Texas High School Opens Student Led Grocery Store.