H-E-B Kicks Off 13th Annual Quest for Texas Best Product Competition

Submissions open March 11 - April 22 for chance to win $100,000 in prizes and shelf placement

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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H-E-B is launching the 13th edition of its annual Quest for Texas Best competition, which seeks to find the best Texas-made products. Entrepreneurs and small businesses can submit their products for a chance to win up to $50,000 and get their items on H-E-B store shelves across the state. The competition is open from March 11 to April 22, with the top finalists presenting to a panel of judges in October.

Why it matters

The H-E-B Quest for Texas Best has become a highly anticipated annual event that celebrates the state's entrepreneurial spirit and diverse food, beverage, and consumer product offerings. Over the past 12 years, the competition has awarded nearly $3 million in prizes and helped launch numerous successful Texas-based brands.

The details

Qualified participants can compete for a combined $100,000 in cash prizes. The grand prize winner will receive $50,000 and the title of 'Texas Best,' along with placement on H-E-B store shelves. Additional prizes of $25,000, $15,000, and $10,000 will be awarded to the first, second, and third place winners, respectively. H-E-B's Business Development Managers will select the top applicants to present their products before a panel of judges in San Antonio this October.

  • The competition is open for submissions from March 11 to April 22, 2026.
  • The top finalists will present their products to a panel of judges in San Antonio in October 2026.

The players

H-E-B

A large grocery store chain based in San Antonio, Texas, with over 455 stores in Texas and Mexico. H-E-B is known for its focus on Texas-made products and community involvement.

James Harris

The Senior Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity for H-E-B.

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What they’re saying

“We look forward to connecting with Texas-based innovators each year and providing exciting opportunities through this competition. I can't wait to see what products are brought to the table this year. After 12 years of the H-E-B Quest for Texas Best the creativity and ingenuity of Texans still inspire me.”

— James Harris, Sr. Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity (aframnews.com)

What’s next

The top finalists will present their products to a panel of judges in San Antonio in October 2026.

The takeaway

The H-E-B Quest for Texas Best competition continues to be a valuable platform for Texas-based entrepreneurs and small businesses to showcase their innovative products and gain exposure through one of the state's largest grocery retailers. The competition's longevity and growing prize pool demonstrate H-E-B's commitment to supporting the local economy and celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of Texans.