One local company is among the winners of the 2022 H-E-B Quest for Texas Best competition.
Houston-based Zwïta, founded by second-generation Tunisian American brothers Karim Arem and Mansour Arem, won second place for its Spicy Traditional Harissa. The second-place winner receives $15,000.
The Arems founded their company, named after their maternal great-grandmother, after realizing that Tunisian culture was underrepresented in the United States, particularly regarding food, according to H-E-B. The hand-crafted harissa, a sun-dried chili paste with fresh garlic and spices, can be traced back to 17th century northern Tunisia. In addition to the spicy harissa, the company also offers mild and smokey harissas plus Zucchini and Potato Shakshuka, a traditional slow-cooked, stew-like vegetable-loaded dish.
Zwïta was one of 10 finalists in San Antonio-based H-E-B's annual competition. The finalists also included Houston-based PSR Brands' Patria Energy Drink and Magnolia-based Lapeyreaux’s Crawfish Hand Soap/Cleaner.
The other winners are:
- Grand Prize Winner: Annie Leal - I Love Chamoy, Chamoy Salsa (McAllen)
- First Place Winner: Ashley Cameron - Love & Cookies, Frozen Cookie Dough (Lakeway)
- Third Place Winner (tie): Brent and Juan Reaves - Smokey John's, Smokey John’s BBQ Rub (Dallas)
- Third Place Winner (tie): Burnett Ranches LLC - Four Sixes Ranch, Chuck Wagon Chile Mix (Guthrie)
Over 500 Texans submitted innovations from coffee, cleaners and confections, to salsas, salamis and seasonings. To narrow down the list to 10 finalists, applications were reviewed by the company’s business development and sourcing managers for potential placement on store shelves. A panel of judges selected the winners.
The grand prize winner will have their product on store shelves and will receive $25,000 and the title of “Texas Best.” The first-place winner receives $20,000, second place receives $15,000, and third place receives $10,000.
“At H-E-B, we are always seeking exceptional products to offer our customers, and what better place to source them than from our fellow Texans,” James Harris Sr., director of diversity and inclusion and supplier diversity for H-E-B, said in a previous statement. “Through the Quest for Texas Best competition, we have the opportunity to witness, taste and ultimately share amazing Texan-made products with our customers. This innovative program not only lets us offer new and unique products in-store, but it also allows us to support local, small and diverse businesses.”
In its ninth year, the company said it has expanded its competition to consider products such as beauty items, toys, household necessities, gardening supplies, coolers and more.
