H-E-B has revealed this year’s finalists as part of its 10th annual Quest for Texas Best Competition. These companies will compete for cash prizes and earn placement on H-E-B’s shelves.
In preparation, H-E-B’s business development managers have reviewed over 21 hours of video submissions for 632 products produced by entrepreneurs representing 132 cities across the state.
“We recognize the important role small businesses play in our industry and welcome the opportunity to support their journey,” said James Harris, senior director of diversity and inclusion and supplier diversity for H-E-B, in a statement. “Not only are we supporting small business in Texas, we’re also expanding our selection of innovative, diverse, and quality products our customers expect.”
The following food and beverage companies were selected as finalists:
• A’hua Sparkling Agua Fresca—a carbonated soft drink.
• Armagh Creamery Organic Yogurt— a yogurt brand with offerings in a variety of flavors, including vanilla honey, maple, and blueberry.
• Brisket Boss Savory Peach Molasses Seasoning—an all-purpose seasoning.
• Funky Mello Sweet N Salty Dippsterz—a plant-based snack pack featuring marshmallow crème and pretzels.
• PhoLicious Authentic Vietnamese Rice Noodle Soup–an instant pho soup available in beef, chicken, and vegetarian flavors.
• Sorrento Ristorante Pasta Sauces—sauces made with few ingredients in the following flavors: Puttanesca, Della Casa, and Marinara.
• Sweets With L&L Cotton Candy—a spun cotton candy brand with flavors like rainbow, strawberry lemonade, and cookies and cream.
• Verdegreens Farmstand Salad Dressing—an ecologically-driven maker of herbs, vegetables, sauces, and more.
• Wella Grain-Free Cereal—an oatmeal grain-free alternative made with almonds, chia, coconut, and flax seeds.
Finalists will present their products at Dallas’ Fair Park on August 9. The panel of judges will determine the four winning products and award $25,000 and placement on store shelves to the Grand Prize winner. The first-place winner will be awarded $20,000, $15,000 will go to the second-place winner, and $10,000 to the third-place winner.
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