A. Le Coq Receives the Ministry of Defence’s “Supporter of National Defence” Gold Label Once Again
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On Monday, 15 June, the Ministry of Defence recognised Estonian companies and organisations with the “Supporter of National Defence” award. The employers receiving this recognition support their employees’ participation in reserve service by maintaining their income during training exercises and contribute to Estonia’s national defence in other ways, including through the Reservists’ Fund. A. Le Coq once again had the honour of receiving the highest level of recognition – the gold badge.
The purpose of the “Supporter of National Defence” recognition is to highlight employers that enable their employees to fulfil national defence obligations without a significant loss of income and that contribute more broadly to strengthening Estonia’s defence readiness and defence capability. The recipients include both large employers and smaller companies and organisations whose support helps ensure that reservists can focus on training and carrying out their national defence duties. “A protected country creates the conditions for successful business. Strong national defence is built through the joint contribution of the state, its people and employers,” said Kaimo Kuusk, Chancellor of the Ministry of Defence.
A. Le Coq has been a key partner of the Ministry of Defence in the digital camouflage project, under which products featuring digital camouflage designs have been brought to market. This year, the portfolio was expanded again with the launch of the non-alcoholic beer Kaitsetahte Laager, while the digital camouflage energy drink Dynami:t Tactical Energy also remains available. With every purchase of a specially marked product, A. Le Coq supports the Reservists’ Fund. To date, more than €36,000 has been donated to the fund through product sales.
In addition, A. Le Coq continues to pay full salary to employees participating in training exercises. This year, 16 employees have taken part in exercises, and since 2015 a total of 87 A. Le Coq employees have participated, contributing 1,670 hours altogether. In 2025, the company also introduced an additional measure by paying a bonus for every day spent at training exercises. Through this added support, the beverage producer aims to draw attention to the importance of defence readiness and the vital role of reservists in society.
“We are pleased that our strong cooperation with the Ministry of Defence in strengthening defence readiness is ongoing and consistent. We believe that national defence is a shared effort – when an employer gives employees confidence that taking part in exercises will not create concern about their job or income, reservists can fully focus on their role. That is why the introduction of the bonus is more than compensation – it is a clear sign that reserve service is valued. We believe this kind of support strengthens both team spirit and the defence readiness of society as a whole,” explained Mari-Liis Õunapuu, Communications Manager at A. Le Coq.
A. Le Coq has received this high recognition in each of the previous three years as well. A total of 517 employers were recognised: 3 received special recognition, 10 received gold, 100 silver and 404 bronze.
Photo by Arno Mikkor.
