Maag Food Receives the “Supporter of National Defence” Recognition

25. June 2026

The “Supporter of National Defence” recognition is awarded to exemplary companies, employers, and organizations that support Estonia’s national defenders. Estonia’s national defence relies heavily on reservists, whose readiness is essential to the security of our society. To maintain and develop their skills, reservists must participate in military training exercises. Employers play a particularly important role by supporting employees who serve as reservists, members of the Estonian Defence League, or members of the Women’s Voluntary Defence Organization, enabling them to take part in these exercises or contribute to national defence in other ways. The annual “Supporter of National Defence” recognition, granted by the Ministry of Defence, is intended for outstanding companies and organizations that contribute to Estonia’s national defence and support the reservists within their teams. Maag Food maintains full salary payments for employees participating in military training exercises.

This year’s award ceremony took place on 15 June 2026 at the Ministry of Defence building. Among the recipients, Maag Food once again received the Silver Level recognition. The awards were presented by President Alar Karis, Ministry of Defence Chancellor Kaimo Kuusk, Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo, and Commander of the Estonian Defence League Major General Ilmar Tamm. Maag Food was represented by Financial Director Karl Kaljumäe.
“It was an honour to receive this recognition from the President of the Republic of Estonia on behalf of all Maag Food companies. In my view, the voluntary contribution of companies to national defence by supporting employees who participate in defence-related training exercises is both important and commendable. We have received this recognition for several years now, and it is rewarding to see our efforts acknowledged,” said Karl, who also actively participates in Defence Forces activities himself.
“As a reserve officer, I attend refresher training exercises whenever I am called upon. I believe it is important to keep the knowledge and skills I acquired during my military service nearly 15 years ago from becoming outdated. These exercises also provide a welcome break from everyday routines. Time moves on, and the world around us develops rapidly, including everything related to national defence. It is essential to keep our defence knowledge and skills up to date. The more of us there are, the better prepared and more confident we are, the stronger the message we send to anyone who might ever question our readiness. I know that many dedicated people at our company regularly contribute to national defence through the Defence Forces, the Defence League, or other organizations. Estonia’s national defence is built to a large extent on volunteers and reservists. Thank you to everyone who participates directly in national defence activities or supports them. I encourage others to contribute as well, and I am grateful that Maag Food, as an employer, has created conditions that allow us to do so with greater peace of mind.”

Maintaining employees salaries during training exercises is not the only way we contribute to national defence as a company. Consumers can also find Tere milk featuring a digital camouflage design on store shelves, with purchases supporting reservists. According to Helen Ojamäe, Marketing Manager of Nordic Milk, cooperation with the Ministry of Defence began in 2024, and in May of that year the Tere Reservist 2.5% milk in a 1.5-litre digital camouflage package was launched.
“This year, the product is available during Reservists’ Week in Selver stores and throughout June in Coop stores. We decided to join the initiative because Estonia’s defence capability is based on reservists. The Ministry of Defence offered selected partners the opportunity to incorporate the Defence Forces’ digital camouflage pattern into a product to demonstrate support for national defence. The goal is to raise awareness of reservists and their importance to Estonia’s defence. Milk is a product found on virtually every family’s table, making it an ideal medium for communicating this message.
We support reservists both in military service and civilian life by donating €0.05 to the Reservists’ Fund for every 1.5-litre package of Tere 2.5% digital camouflage milk sold. During 2024–2025, we donated a total of €14,532 to the Reservists’ Fund,” Helen explained. “Of course, receiving recognition is always gratifying, but what makes us particularly happy is knowing that, together with consumers, we have made an additional contribution to national defence and supported Estonia’s dedicated reservists.”