Meet the 2025 Sugar Notables

On July 19, 2025, the Sugar Journal staff will celebrate the 2025 Sugar Notables winners. “We have so many outstanding individuals in our sugar industry that have done so much to improve and move the industry forward that we felt we should celebrate the ‘best of the best’ that were selected,” said Romney Richard, publisher, and editor of Sugar Journal.

Nominations were opened last year, and the criteria were the length of service, success in their career, documented contributions to the betterment of the industry, involvement in industry organizations/activities, and demonstrated leadership characteristics. Those who wanted to nominate someone could do so on the website SugarJournal.com. After the nominations were made, a panel of industry leaders helped pick each category’s winners.

Since the industry is split into different segments, several categories were identified. The winners are as follows:

 Sugar Cane Grower – Howard Robichaux, Louisiana

Sugar Beet Grower – Paul Schlagel, Colorado

Raw Sugar Processor – Dan Duplantis, Louisiana

Cane Sugar Refiner – Mike Walton, Canada

Beet Sugar Processor –  David Groom, North Dakota

Scientific Researcher – Raffaella Rossetto, Brazil

Supplier Researcher – Keith Picou, Louisiana

A fabulous dinner celebration at Antoine’s Restaurant will be the stage to honor these Sugar Notables. The menu will be included on SugarJournal.com, and Bizou Wines Importer and Distributor will provide wines. A 4-course meal with wine/tax/tip included is $235 per person. Invitations are open to family and friends who want to celebrate the careers of the 2025 Sugar Notables. 

 You can purchase your tickets and get additional information about the celebration by contacting Debbie@sugarjournal.com or calling 504-482-3914.