The Fanjul brothers, a prominent business family among Cuban exiles, have once again captured public attention after being mentioned by U.S. President Donald Trump in discussions about Cuba's future.
In a recent press conference, Trump highlighted the family as a prime example of Cubans who achieved financial success after fleeing the island, emphasizing the remarkable business accomplishments many exiles have achieved in the United States.
The family, primarily consisting of José “Pepe” Fanjul, Alfonso “Alfy” Fanjul, Alexander, Andrés, and Lillian, left Cuba following the 1959 revolution, when their sugar estates were seized by Fidel Castro's regime.
After relocating to the United States, they restarted their lives in Florida, purchasing farmland around Lake Okeechobee. Over the years, they rebuilt their wealth, ultimately becoming a powerhouse in the sugar industry.
Today, they oversee companies such as Florida Crystals and Domino Sugar, as well as the American Sugar Refining (ASR) Group, recognized as the world's largest cane sugar refiner.
According to Forbes, the family's fortune is estimated at around $4 billion, with Florida Crystals alone generating approximately $5.5 billion in revenue in 2024.
The Fanjul business empire extends into the Caribbean, where they own the Casa de Campo resort in the Dominican Republic and have stakes in Central Romana, the country's largest private employer and landowner.
Beyond their economic clout, the Fanjuls have wielded significant political influence in the U.S. for decades. They have historically funded campaigns for candidates from both major parties, although they have recently strengthened ties with President Trump.
Forbes reports that since 2016, the family and their businesses have contributed over $7 million to fundraising committees and super PACs associated with the president.
A recent incident that brought them back into the limelight involved a conversation between Trump and Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey during the president's second inauguration. Upon learning that Coca-Cola did not use cane sugar in its main product, Trump discussed the matter with his friend José “Pepe” Fanjul.
This discussion led to the announcement of a new Coca-Cola line made with cane sugar grown in the U.S., a project in which the Fanjuls could play a role.
However, the family's history is not without controversy. Various organizations have previously raised concerns about environmental issues in Florida, allegations of forced labor on their Dominican plantations, and vigorous lobbying in Washington to maintain subsidies and tariff protections for the sugar industry.
Forbes estimates that since 1999, the sugar industry has spent over $20 million on lobbying to uphold policies that keep U.S. sugar prices significantly above the international average.
Despite these criticisms, family representatives defend their legacy as emblematic of the “American dream,” attributing their business success to hard work after losing everything in Cuba.
Understanding the Fanjul Family's Impact
Who are the Fanjul brothers?
The Fanjul brothers, José “Pepe” Fanjul, Alfonso “Alfy” Fanjul, Alexander, Andrés, and Lillian, are members of a prominent Cuban exile family known for their significant success in the sugar industry after relocating to the United States.
What companies do the Fanjul family control?
The Fanjul family controls major companies like Florida Crystals, Domino Sugar, and the American Sugar Refining Group, which is the largest cane sugar refiner globally.
How have the Fanjuls influenced U.S. politics?
The Fanjuls have exerted considerable political influence by financing campaigns for both major political parties, notably strengthening their ties with President Donald Trump in recent years.
What controversies have surrounded the Fanjul family?
The Fanjul family has faced controversies related to environmental issues in Florida, allegations of forced labor in the Dominican Republic, and intense lobbying efforts to maintain favorable sugar industry policies.