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25 Houston-Area finalists announced for H-E-B Primo Picks Quest for Texas Best

By: Katelyn Roche
| Published 07/27/2015

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HOUSTON, Texas – Six local food artisans have been named as finalists in the H-E-B Primo Picks Quest for Texas Best search for new Lone Star State products. The second annual competition, which launched in February, received more than 400 submissions representing 74 towns from across the state. H-E-B Business Development Managers have now selected the top 25 finalists to compete for cash prizes and consideration for coveted space on H-E-B shelves.

“We had a fantastic group of locally sourced entries this year and are excited to welcome the top 25 to the final round,” said James Harris, Director, Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity, H-E-B. “Quest for Texas Best is a phenomenal opportunity for Texans to get their products on the shelves for all to enjoy.”

Contest finalists include six product makers from the Houston area; five from the San Antonio and West Texas area; seven from the Dallas area; four from Austin and three from the Rio Grande Valley.

Houston area finalists include:


Angela Rowley’s Blackbird Foods’ Cajun Pies, Sausage Rolls, Tikka Masala Pies - Inspired by local ingredients and the diverse food cultures of Texas, Blackbird Foods’ pies are diverse and feature small, fried Cajun Pies, meal-size pies and hand pies.

Jacqui Francis’ Jacqui’s Jamaican Rum Cake - Made with dried fruits, flavorful rum and spices, a Jamaican rum cake made from Jacqui is a unique alternative to a traditional cake.

Scott French’s Mister French’s Gourmet Bakery, Inc. Gourmet Cookies - These innovative cookie creations include the Greeting Card Cookie, the Cookie Puzzle and the Cookie Bon Bon.

Jill Butler’s Monster PBJ’s Spice Spice Baby, Hot Ziggety and Zest for Life PBJ Spreads - The Monster PBJ Fusion Spreads are sophisticated, yet playful and the perfect combination for any pairing. Flavors include Spice Spice Baby, Hot Ziggety and Zest for Life.

Purnima Nabar’s Natura Treats Inc. Multigrain Roti, Sweet Corn and Spinach Parathas - Purnima’s parathas are authentic Indian style unleavened flat breads made with herbs, spices, vegetables and different cheeses, often paired with chutney, pickle or raita (yogurt sauce).

Sarah Zapien’s Tavola Pasta’s Gourmet Dry Pasta - Tavola Pasta’s artisan pastas are comparable to Italy’s best, using all locally-sourced ingredients.

During the deciding round August 12 and 13 at the Houston Food Bank, a panel of expert judges will critique the makers of the finalist products to vet their potential as retail suppliers. In the process, they will examine each item’s quality, marketability and readiness for production.

The top product selected and Grand Prize winner will receive $25,000 and be named a “Texas Best” Primo Pick; the first place winner will receive $20,000; the second place winner will receive $15,000; and the third place winner will receive $10,000. Additionally, these Texas-based suppliers must also create, produce or co-pack the products in Texas.

The Quest for Texas Best is a signature program of H-E-B Primo Picks. H-E-B Primo Picks invites customers to enjoy products that are unique, delicious and possibly new to their palates. Selections represent the best of what is in stores, such as H-E-B MooTopia®, H-E-B Queso Poblano Chicken Sausage and H-E-B That Green Sauce.

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