Summer Fancy Food Show Hosts SFA Awards Ceremony
The Specialty Food Association (SFA) recently recognised industry veterans at the 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show, held in New York City's Javits Center from June 29 to July 1. Among the honourees was Pamela Barefoot, who was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for her significant contributions to the specialty food industry.
Barefoot is the founder of Blue Crab Bay Company, a coastal Virginia brand renowned for its Bloody Mary mixers, seafood seasonings, and award-winning peanuts. Her leadership has been instrumental in building the brand into a nationally beloved entity.
In addition to her business success, Barefoot has been an active member of the SFA, playing a key role in establishing the Virginia Pavilion at the Fancy Food Show and advocating for small businesses, rural economic development, and regional tourism. Since selling her company in 2016, she has focused on community volunteering and educational outreach.
At the event, Barefoot spoke about her 30 years in the specialty food business and her belief that business can be a force for good. While she did not reveal any specific new business initiatives, she has since been producing educational videos and giving back to her community.
The 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show also saw the presentation of diplomas for graduates of SFA's Maker Prep Course, the unveiling of the inaugural roster of emerging leaders in the specialty sector through its Fancy Food Rising Stars program, and keynote addresses from Hungryroot CEO Ben McKean and Chef Michael Symon. The sofi Awards, which have honoured excellence in specialty food and beverage annually since 1972, were also presented during the event.
Other notable awards given out included the 2025 Seafood Excellence Awards, recognising retail and foodservice product leaders in the North American seafood market, and the 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees, which included industry giants such as Case D. Fischer, Karta Owens, and Heather Paul. The 2025 Leadership Awards were given to several individuals and organisations for their contributions to the specialty food industry, including Felicia Viera for Equity & Opportunity, Collette DiVitto for Citizenship, and Ayissi Nyemba for Vision & Sustainability.
Jeni Britton, founder of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, also gave a keynote address at the event, discussing her latest venture, Floura, which offers bars made from upcycled fiber derived from fresh produce trimmings.
In summary, the 2025 Specialty Food Association Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Pam Barefoot, stands out as the key highlight for the event, with a legacy of brand-building and industry leadership and a current focus on community and education rather than new specialty food ventures. The 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show recognised industry giants through three programs: Leadership Awards, Hall of Fame, and Lifetime Achievement Awards, and provided a platform for emerging leaders and industry veterans to share their insights and innovations.
- Pamela Barefoot's leadership in establishing the Blue Crab Bay Company, which encompasses food-and-drink products like Bloody Mary mixers, seafood seasonings, and award-winning peanuts, has been pivotal in her receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Specialty Food Association (SFA).
- Beyond her business success, Barefoot's involvement in the SFA has extended to lobbying for small businesses, rural economic development, and regional tourism, making significant contributions in the finance and lifestyle aspects of the specialty food industry.
