Florida Crystals’ Alejandro Morales Recognized as 2026 ‘Sugar Notable’
We are delighted to announce that Alejandro “Alex” Morales, Sr. Manager, Refinery & Specialty Sugar, has been recognized by Sugar Journal as a 2026 “Sugar Notable” in the Cane Sugar Refiner category!
Sugar Journal, founded in 1938, is a monthly technical publication that is distributed to an international audience in the sugar industry. The following spotlight on Alex was published in the May 2026 issue.
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Alejandro “Alex” Morales’ 38 years in the sugar industry are rooted in dedication, technical expertise and a lifelong passion that took shape in his childhood. Growing up in Sagua la Grande, a small town in Cuba, Alex often accompanied his grandfather to the local raw sugar mill where he worked as a Sugar Pan Boiler. These early experiences inspired Alex’s fascination with sugar production and laid the foundation for his career journey.
From a young age, Alex demonstrated discipline, teamwork and commitment—qualities that would define his career. His passion for soccer, which he played through college, instilled a strong work ethic and led to national recognition in 1981. Alex credits the sport with shaping his character and professional approach, teaching him the value of perseverance and collaboration.
In 1988, Alex earned his Chemical Engineering degree along with a Master’s in Cane Sugar Process Technology from Martha Abreu University of Las Villas in Cuba. He then began working at Mal Tiempo Cane Sugar Mill in Cienfuegos, Cuba, producing straight white sugar. Starting in the Sugar Rotational Development Program, Alex quickly demonstrated his capabilities through hard work and technical skill, earning a promotion to Shift Process Supervisor in less than a year.
In 1991, Alex returned to his hometown of Sagua la Grande where he joined the Raw Sugar Mill Antonio Finalet as a Shift Process Supervisor. Within a year, he was promoted to Crystallization Technician, a role that held special significance for him.
“I couldn’t wait to come back to my hometown to do what my grandfather used to do 20 years ago,” said Alex. “It is in my blood.” He remained in this role until 1994.
That year, at age 28, he emigrated to the United States in search of greater opportunities. Determined to continue his professional journey in the sugar industry in his new country, he relied on his knowledge, perseverance and belief that hard work pays off—a principle he says has guided him throughout his life.
In 1996, Alex joined the Florida Crystals Refinery in South Bay, Florida, as a seasonal Recovery House Supervisor. His technical expertise, professionalism and strong interpersonal skills quickly set him apart, leading to a full-time position as a Refinery Process Shift Supervisor by the end of that year. Over the next decade, Alex continued to grow within the organization.
In 2006, he was promoted to Specialty Sugar Team Lead. In this role, he played a key part in designing various sugar boiling schemes, supporting the startup of a new boiling house addition dedicated to producing specialty sugars and training operators on the new equipment.
Alex was promoted in 2010 to Refinery & Specialty Sugar Process Superintendent, a position he held for seven years. After more than two decades of service at the refinery, Alex advanced to the management level as Senior Manager of Refinery & Specialty Sugar. In this role, he continues to demonstrate exceptional leadership, focusing on process efficiency, increased production, product quality, industrial safety and environmental responsibility.
“It is an honor to be selected by my industry peers as a Sugar Notable,” said Alex. “Being recognized for my 30 years of dedication and enjoyment at Florida Crystals is truly humbling.” Alex is quick to emphasize that his success is shared, adding, “I didn’t do this alone but with an excellent team, amazing mentors and good people.”
Alex expresses deep gratitude to his family, God and the colleagues at Florida Crystals who have supported him throughout his journey, including Eudelio Ferrer, Angelo Archbold, Barry Blevins and Jose Gonzalez.
Beyond his work within the refinery, Alex has also contributed to the broader sugar industry. Since 2017, he has represented Florida Crystals as a Director of the Sugar Industry Technologists (SIT), and he joined the SIT Executive Committee in 2022.
Outside of his professional life, Alex values time with his family, including his wife Nivea of 26 years and their daughter Alyssa. In his free time, he enjoys fishing and boating.