A Waco company has been named among the top 25 finalists for H-E-B's Primo Picks Quest for Texas Best.
In its fifth year of the competition, H-E-B received nearly 700 entries for a spot on H-E-B shelves. This year, Waco's own Mirth Soup has joined the top ranks of the competition.
Company owner Loren Lee has created a lineup of shelf-stable soups dubbed the "Mirth Triplets." The soups include "Pumpkin Citrus" "Carrot Garlic Lime" and "Tomato Tarragon."
"Over the past five years of this competition, we have tasted more than 2,700 of the most creative Texas-based food and beverages in pursuit of Texas’ very best, selecting 125 finalists since 2014," said James Harris, Director, Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity, H-E-B. "Each year keeps us on our toes with innovative products, and this year is no exception. We are proud to continue a program that gives small business owners the opportunity to share their pride and joy with H-E-B shoppers across the state."
The grand prize winner will be awarded $25,000, keys to a brand-new Toyota Tundra and their creation will be sold in H-E-B stores. The first-place winner will receive $20,000, second-place will receive $15,000 and third-place $10,000.
In its five years, the Quest for Texas Best competition has brought more than 432 new products into H-E-B grocery stores across the Lone Star State.
The top 25 finalists include:
- 1885 Coffee Co.
- 38 Pecans
- Afia Foods
- Barbecue Wife
- Bellefontaine
- Bellville Meat Market
- Bernard's Gourmet Foods
- BIG Little Fudge
- Cappadona Ranch
- Chef Rey Inc.
- Collin Street Bakery
- Deanan Gourmet Popcorn
- Depp River Specialty Foods
- Loving Libbie Memorial Foundation
- Mad Hectic Oatmeal
- Maika Foods
- Mirth Soup
- mmmpandas
- Nuts and Cows
- Pennymade
- Pretty Thai
- Sing and Shout Foods
- Texas Black Gold Garlic
- Tiny House Coffee
- Tio Pelon's Salsita LLC
The winners will be announced at the Central Texas Food Bank in Austin on Aug. 10 at 4 p.m.
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