H-E-B has named four winners of its 2021 Quest for Texas Best competition. The winners, from Dallas, Austin, and Santa Elena, received a combined $70,000 in cash prizes and space on H-E-B store shelves statewide.
“Each year we are amazed by what Texans bring to this competition. Despite the disruption of COVID-19, these entrepreneurs demonstrated creativity, determination and perseverance in pursuit of growing their businesses,” said James Harris, director, diversity & inclusion and supplier diversity, H-E-B, in a statement. “H-E-B is thrilled to shine light on these four outstanding businesses and their Texan-made products that will add to the diversity of products on our shelves and to our roster of suppliers.”
The Grand Prize winner, who received $25,000, is Kelli Watts, founder of Savor Pâtisserie, a company that makes French macarons.
Felo and Stephanie Martinez received the first place prize of $20,000 for their 2F Akaushi Beef, raised on the family’s ranch.
The second place winners are Arpit and Elora Bhopalkar, founders of Bhoomi Enhanced Sugar Cane Water. The Bhopalkars received $15,000.
Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, founded by Tom Landis and Coleman Jones, won the third place prize of $10,000. The brand won for its Dr Pepper Chocolate Chip Ice Cream flavor.
The 2021 Quest for Texas Best competition drew more than 1,200 product entries from cities and towns across the state. Through two qualifying rounds, submissions were judged on taste and flavor, customer appeal, value, uniqueness, market potential, and differentiation from current products at most H-E-B stores.
Related: H-E-B Names Best of Texas Finalists; H-E-B, Publix Top List for Ecommerce Experience.
Image: H-E-B