Everything is bigger in Texas—including the dreams that begin in the smallest kitchens, family workshops and farmers markets. On Thursday, October 8, 2026, H-E-B put those dreams center stage in San Antonio as it crowned the winners of its 13th annual Quest for Texas Best. The results were a flavorful reminder that innovation does not need a corporate headquarters; sometimes, all it needs is a family recipe and somebody willing to believe in it.

This year’s competition attracted a record-breaking 978 entries from more than 500 companies statewide. Ten finalists made the final round, five emerged as prize winners, and all ten received financial recognition. The top five shared $110,000, while the five other finalists each took home $5,000. That brought the total to $135,000—a meaningful investment in local talent and the next generation of Texas-made consumer products.

Beyond the checks, exposure to H-E-B buyers, mentoring and potential statewide distribution can transform a young company. H-E-B began as a small family business, making its annual competition especially meaningful.

THE GRAND PRIZE: SOL DIAS ICE CREAM — $50,000. The sweetest victory went to Sol Dias Ice Cream of Haltom City, founded in 2020 by Victor and Stacey Garcia. Victor learned to make paletas through his entrepreneurial parents and carried those childhood memories into a company inspired by Mexticacán, Jalisco, a Mexican community associated with the paleta tradition. With a creamy texture, real ingredients and generous pieces of fruit, Sol Dias proved that nostalgia can be a serious business advantage. Its Grand Prize includes the ‘Texas Best’ title and placement on H-E-B shelves.

FIRST PLACE: LA FREGONA — $25,000. Bastrop’s La Fregona delivered a fiesta of flavor. Husband-and-wife founders Rafael Ayala and Jocelyn Alvarez drew on their roots in Michoacán and traveled across Mexico to learn from street-corn vendors. Their Mexican Streetcorn Chilito Sauce blends five chiles into a smoky, tangy condiment built for more than elote. Fruit, snacks and cocktail rims are all invited to the party. Launched in 2023, the brand demonstrates how cultural authenticity and practical convenience can share one bottle.

SECOND PLACE: HIVE FOOD CO. — $15,000. Houston has special reason to cheer. HIVE Food Co., founded by the Tanvir family, transformed a family beekeeping pastime into an emerging local brand. The woman-owned, GO TEXAN-certified company built relationships at the Houston Farmers Market, where repeat customers discovered that every jar had both flavor and a story. Its Lemon + Ginger Infused Honey pairs 100% raw Texas honey with real ingredients and works beautifully in hot tea, across breakfast toast, beside cheese or in savory marinades. With its second-place win, HIVE puts another Houston-made product in the statewide spotlight. That is one buzz worth sharing.

THIRD PLACE, TIED: DEAN & PEELER MEATS — $10,000. Dustin Dean and Jason Peeler established their Floresville company in 2014 after connecting through the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Their vertically integrated approach reaches from raising cattle through production and retail. Products including Smoked Gouda Sausage and Angus beef tallow reflect the founders’ ranching roots. Their success is proof that Texas beef tradition can keep evolving without losing its identity.

THIRD PLACE, TIED: UNCLE MARC’S — $10,000. Marcus and Creda Perryman built Uncle Marc’s around the joy of bringing families back into the kitchen. Influenced by Marcus’ Mississippi upbringing and Creda’s East Texas heritage, the Dallas-area company produces Grill Master Seasoning, Blackberry Molasses BBQ Sauce and Hot Honey Bourbon BBQ Hot Sauce. The couple’s blends make weeknight cooking more adventurous and backyard grilling feel like a neighborhood occasion.

‘Texas entrepreneurs bring bold ideas and exceptional products to communities across our state,’ said James Harris, H-E-B’s Senior Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity. ‘Because H-E-B began as a small business, we understand the difference that meaningful support and access can make. Through Quest for Texas Best, we are honored to champion these innovators as they take the next step in building their businesses and reaching more customers.’

A THIRTEEN-YEAR TRADITION OF OPENING DOORS. Since launching Quest for Texas Best in 2014, H-E-B has discovered more than 1,000 Texas-made products and awarded nearly $3 million in prizes. Its support also includes mentoring, marketing opportunities and access that can help an entrepreneur navigate the leap from a promising prototype to a sustainable business. The competition remains one of the clearest examples of how a major retailer can use its purchasing reach to build opportunities closer to home.

 H-E-B Crowns 2026 Quest For Texas Best Winners

Houston Style Magazine has long celebrated H-E-B’s community investments. HIVE’s victory underscores what local businesses bring to Greater Houston: new opportunities, meaningful family legacies and products with personality.

The next H-E-B favorite may start in a backyard beehive, a pasture or a family kitchen. Congratulations to every finalist. Texas’ next success story may already be simmering.

Learn more about the program and winners:

H-E-B Queest For Texas Best