Maja Novak is a serial entrepreneur and certified sensory professional with extensive international experience in specialty coffee and food & beverage innovation. She founded and successfully scaled Space Cup, a globally recognized, design-driven specialty coffee brand celebrated for innovation, sustainability, and industry education programs, later acquired by a leading hospitality group.
A long-standing member of the Specialty Coffee Association, International Women’s Coffee Alliance (US Chapter), Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and Les Dames d’Escoffier, Maja is an experienced judge across global industry competitions. She is also an author at The Perfect Daily Grind, contributing to research and knowledge advancement in specialty coffee.
"In specialty coffee, as in much of food and drink, women remain underrepresented in leadership and technical roles. Over more than a decade in this industry, I have seen firsthand how recognition and visibility can open doors, inspire confidence, and set standards. The Women in Food & Drink Awards do precisely this: they celebrate achievement, elevate excellence, and empower women to lead and innovate. By supporting the program and nominating exceptional women, we not only honor talent today but also create opportunities for future generations to shape the industry with vision and integrity."
