A. Le Coq Received the Ministry of Defence’s Special “Supporter of National Defenders” Award

The Ministry of Defence once again recognized Estonian companies and organizations with the “Supporter of National Defenders” award. A. Le Coq was among the three companies honored with a special distinction.

The “Supporter of National Defenders” award is given to companies that contribute to national defense by maintaining the income of reservists during training exercises and supporting them in other ways. A. Le Coq has received this high recognition for the past two years as well.

Prime Minister Kristen Michal, when presenting the awards, said that security is a shared responsibility for everyone: “Even the strongest core force needs a strong rear — people and organizations that support them. As Prime Minister, I’m pleased to see that our business sector and employers at large understand their role in national defense. The willingness and ability of reservists to participate in exercises depends greatly on whether the employer keeps their salary during this time or offers flexible work arrangements. Such support gives reservists the confidence that their family is taken care of and their job is waiting for them after training.”

A. Le Coq CEO Jaanus Vihand also commented: “We are pleased that our strong cooperation with the Ministry of Defence in fostering defense readiness is constant and ongoing. As a company, we feel a great responsibility for maintaining and developing defense spirit. Above all, we want our employees to be able and willing to participate in exercises. That’s why we maintain their full salary during training. In addition, we contribute as a key partner to the Ministry of Defence, which for us is both an honor and a responsibility. With our products featuring digital camouflage designs, we want to emphasize in society the importance of every reservist for preserving Estonia’s freedom and defense capability.”

A. Le Coq has been a key partner in the Ministry of Defence’s digital camouflage project, producing and selling items featuring the camouflage pattern. This year, the product line was further expanded — now party shelves also feature the caffeinated vitamin drink For Me, the mineral-enriched water Kaitsetahte Allikas (“Source of Defence Spirit”), and the energy drink Dynami:t Tactical. With every purchase of a specially marked product, A. Le Coq supports the Reservists’ Fund. So far, sales of A. Le Coq’s products have raised over €21,000 for the fund. Additionally, this year A. Le Coq hoisted digital camouflage flags on the factory tower mast and produced digital camouflage football fan scarves. Through such activities, the beverage company aims to draw attention to defense spirit and the role of reservists as a cornerstone of society.

In 2025, 517 employers were recognized: 3 with special distinctions, 10 with gold honors, 100 with silver honors, and 404 with bronze-level recognition. The recipients were selected by a jury consisting of representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Forces, and the Defence League.