Thank you Texas for your support in making us the top grocery retailer in the nation.

H-E-B took home the #1 spot in a consumer survey by consumer research firm, Dunnhumby, which evaluated more than 60 grocery retailers in the U.S. In its 3rd Annual Retailer Preference Index report, the firm surveyed 7,500 consumers to get their thoughts and feelings about the U.S. grocery industry. H-E-B was ranked #4 in each of the previous reports.

H-E-B moved into the top spot “due to sustained focus and excellence on assortment relevance and private brand,” according to the study. In the event of an economic downturn, the San Antonio-based company also was ranked at the top of the list for Most Recession-proof Grocers.

“H-E-B proves that if you get the basics right and execute them well, you can have a strong value proposition,” Jose Gomes, Dunnhumby’s managing director of North America, was quoted saying in the Houston Chronicle. “They’re good at value and price perception, and people love them.”

As one of the nation’s leading retailers, with more than $28 billion in annual sales, H-E-B continues to strengthen its position as a digital retailer while continuing to grow its brick-and-mortar business. As the largest privately-held employer in Texas, H-E-B has over 120,000 Partners in its workforce and operates more than 400 stores in Texas and Mexico.