Pamela Barefoot

Pamela Barefoot is the former President of Blue Crab Bay Co(Opens in a new window)., a beloved coastal Virginia brand known for its Bloody Mary mixers, seafood seasonings, and award-winning peanuts. She launched the company in 1985 after moving to a rural area on Virginia’s Eastern Shore and drawing inspiration from the bounty of local clams and crabs. Her first products—flavorful dip blends—reflected her childhood love of coastal cuisine and a drive to build something creative and lasting. Over the decades, Blue Crab Bay became a nationally recognized name, with its products even making cameos in films like Sleeping with the Enemy. 

Pamela has been a proud member of the Specialty Food Association since 1989 and served on the Board of Directors for over a decade. She helped establish the Virginia Pavilion at the Fancy Food Show and contributed her leadership to both the Education and Membership Committees. Named Virginia’s Small Business Person of the Year and recognized as the SBA’s Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur, Pamela has always been a champion for small businesses, rural economic development, and regional tourism. 

Since selling her company in 2016, Pamela has embraced retirement with the same energy and creativity she brought to her business. She now lives in North Carolina, where she enjoys volunteering, making educational videos, and giving back to her community.