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The 100 Oldest Companies in the World
Undoubtedly family business represents the most lasting type of business. The expert in family business, Professor Willian O'Hara, in one of his books mentioned about family business the following: "Before the multinational corporation, there was family business.
Before the Industrial Revolution, there was family business. Before the enlightenment of Greece and the empire of Rome, there was family business." Below there's a list of world's top 100 oldest companies that represent family business.
These firms can surely state that they managed to outlast governments, nations and cities. But most importantly these family businesses outlasted once mighty transnational corporations. The list may not be entirely accurate and it doesn't claim to be scientific. Visitors are free to provide any information that might have been missed. . |
1. 578 - Kongo Gumi
The Kongo family
Osaka, Japan
www.kongogumi.co.jp
Construction company based in Osaka, Japan. The firm was founded back in 578. It ended its activity in 2007, being considered the oldest company in the world until then. It was operated by the representatives of the 40th generation. Prince Shotoku was the one to bring the representative of Kongo family to Japan from Korea. The event took place more that 1,400 years ago. The Kongo family was brought to construct the Buddhist Shitennoji Temple, which, by the way, still can be viewed today. Throughout centuries, Kongo Gumi has taken part in the creation of many well-known buildings like the Osaka castle, constructed in the 16th century. |
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2. 718 - Hoshi Ryokan
The Hoshi family
Komatsu, Japan
www.ho-shi.co.jp
The firm's business deals with innkeeping. The company was founded in Komatsu, Japan in 718. The firm is operated by the family's members, who represent its 46th generation. The legend states that the god of Mount Hakusan once visited a Buddhist priest and asked him to uncover a hot spring located underground in a nearby village. When he found the hot spring, the priest asked that his student, the son of a woodcutter, Garyo Saskiri, construct and run a spa on the spot. Since then his family, who was known as Hoshi, have managed a hotel in Komatsu. The structure that stands today is able to house 450 people, in its 100 rooms. Each customer is treated as a privileged guest. In addition each customer receives a traditional Japanese welcome by being invited to a tea ceremony. Today its manager is Zengoro Hoshi.. |
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3. Chateau de Goulaine – founded in 1000.
Goulaine family
France
www.chateau.goulaine.online.fr
This place represents a vineyard, museum and a butterfly collection. It is located in Haute Goulaine, France and was founded back in 1000. The castle is run by a Goulaine family, who possesses an extremely rare butterfly collection. The family's museum hosts different functions, including weddings. Visitors can purchase wine made from the castle's vineyards. The firm's official site is: |
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4. Fonderia Pontificia Marinelli – founded in 1000.
Marinelli family
Agnore, Italy
www.campanemarinelli.com
This bell foundry was set in Agnore, Italy in 1000. Agnore is a small town located high in the Appenine hills. The firm's managers still apply the same techniques of using wax as the firm's founders (a wax "false bell" is covered with the actual thing). The bells of Fonderia Pontificia Marinelli are toll worldwide, in: New York, Beijing, Jerusalem, South America and Korea. The family business currently employs 20 people. Among these employees there are 5 members of the Marinelli family. Today the firm is managed by Pasquale Marinelli. In 1997, the firm opened its museum, which shows the work of Pasquale's brother, an Italian sculptor Ettore Marinelli. |
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5. Barone Ricasoli – founded in 1141.
Ricasoli barons
Republic of Florence
www.ricasoli.it
The firm produces wine and olive oil. It was founded in Siena, Italy back in 1141. For the first time the land was given to the Ricasoli barons by the Republic of Florence. The land today serves as the family's Brolio Estate, occupying around 3,600 acres. The central activity of the family is focused around wine production. Ricasoli has only 26 acres used for the cultivation of olives. |
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6. Barovier & Toso – founded in 1295.
Barovier family
Venezia, Italy
www.barovier.com
A glass making family business based in Venezia, Italy. The firm was founded in 1295. On Murano Island it creates crystalline glass, mother-of-pearl glass as well as gold-free cornelian red. The island is located 10 minutes ferry ride from Venice. In 1936 the Barovier family merged with the Toso family. The latter were also a family that worked in the field of glass production.. |
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7. Hotel Pilgrim Haus – founded in 1304.
Andernach family
Soest, Germany
www.pilgimhaus.de
This family business refers to innkeeping. It was founded in 1304 in Soest, Germany. Currently the Hotel Pilgrim Haus is run by the Andernach family in Soest, which is a town located 110 miles north of Frankfurt. |
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8. Richard de Bas – founded in 1326
This family business makes paper. It was founded in Amvert d'Auvergne, France in 1326. The firm has a longstanding reputation for producing high-quality papers. This fact led to a number of high-profile jobs. It is worth mentioning that the firm has provided paper for limited-edition works made by Braque and Picasso. The company also operates a museum. The firm's official site is: www.richarddebas.fr. |
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9. Torrini Firenze – founded in 1369
This business is represented by a family of goldsmiths. The family founded its business in 1369 in Florence, Italy. Florence was the destination of Jacopus Torrini when he decided to move away from his native village of Scarperia and create armor for Florentine knights. Later the workshop of Torrini developed into a goldsmith, where the master made jewels along with other objects of high value. One of the family's most valuable creations is its mysterious "Oro Nativo" method of manufacturing. This method refers to the process of working with gold while maintaining its most natural color. The firm's official website is: www.torrini.com.
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10. Antinori – founded in 1383
The Florence-based company works in the field of wine production. It was founded in Florence, Italy in 1385 and is currently operated by the representatives of the family's 19th generation. Ever since Giovanni di Piero Antinori stuck together with the Florentine Guild of Vintners, the Italian family has been making high-quality wine. Today a system of vineyards located in Italy, United States, Hungary, Malta and Chile is under control of Marchese (Count) Piero Antinori and his 3 daughters. The company's Chiantis and other classics are highly appreciated by consumers and wine critics worldwide. Since 1506 the firm has be located in a Florentine palazzo.
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11. Camuffo
Shipbuilding.
Based in Portogruaro, Italy.
Founded in 1438 - 18th generation
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13. Grazia Deruta
Ceramics.
Based in Turin, Italy
Founded in 1500
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14. Fabbrica D’Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A.
Firearms.
Based in Gardone, Italy
Founded in 1526
14th generation
Official website: www.beretta.it
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15. William Prym GmbH & Co.
Copper, brass, haberdashery.
Based in Stolberg, Germany
Founded in 1530
Official website: www.prym.com
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16. John Brooke & Sons
Woolens.
Based in Huddersfield, United Kingdom
Founded in 1541
15th generation
Official website: www.brookesmill.co.uk
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17. Codorniu
Wine business
Based in Saint Sadurni d'Anoia, Spain
Founded in 1551
Official website: www.codorniu.es
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18. Fonjallaz
Wine Based in
Lavaux, Switzerland
Founded in 1552
13th generation
Official website: www.fonjallaz.info
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19. von Poschinger Manufaktur
Glassmaking
Based in Frauenau, Germany
Founded in 1568
13th generation
Official website: www.poschinger.de
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20. Hacienda Los Lingues
Ranch
Based in San Fernando, Chile
Founded in 1575
15th generation
Official website: www.loslingues.cl
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21. Wachsendustrie Fulda Adam Gies
Candles, wax figures
Based in Fulda, Germany
Founded in 1589
Maker of candles and wax figures still operated by the founding Gies family.
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22. Berenberg Bank
Banking
Based in Hamburg, Germany
Founded in 1590
Official website: www.berenberg.de
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23. R. Durtnell & Sons
Construction
Based in Kent, United Kingdom
Founded in 1591
12th generation
Official website: www.durtnell.co.uk
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24. J.P. Epping of Pippsvadr
Grocers
Based in Germany
Founded in 1595
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25. Eduard Meier
Shoes
Based in Munich, Germany
Founded in 1596
13th generation
Official website: www.edmeier.de
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26. Toraya
Confectioners
Based in Tokyo, Japan
Founded in pre-1600
17th generation
Official website: www.toraya-group.co.jp
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27. Tissiman & Sons Ltd.
Tailors and outfitters
Based in Bishop’s Stortford, United Kingdom
Founded in 1601
Official website: www.tissimans.co.uk
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28. Enshu Sado School
Ceremonial tea school
Based in Tokyo, Japan
Founded in 1602
13th generation
Official website: www.enshuryu.com
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29. Takenaka
Construction
Based in Osaka, Japan
Founded in 1610
Official website: www.takenaka.co.jp
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30. Mellerio dits Meller
Jewelry
Based in Paris, France
Founded in 1613
15th generation
Official website: www.mellerio.fr
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32. 1623 - Zildjian Cymbal Co.
Zildjian family
Cymbals/Norwell, Mass.
www.zildjian.com
Founded 14 generations ago in Constantinople by an alchemist named Avedis I, who discovered an extremely musical metal alloy to create powerful, durable cymbals. The sultan named him “Zildjian,” Armenian for “cymbalsmith.” Family arrived in U.S. 1929, in time for Avedis Zildjian III to establish ties with hot new jazz drummers of the day. His son Armand (1921-2002) created modern factory. Today his daughters Craigie (CEO) and Debbie (VP/human resources) run company, first women chiefs in its long history. |
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33. Kikkoman
Soy sauce
Based in Noda, Japan
Founded in 1630
Official website: www.kikkoman.com
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34. Sumitomo Corp.
Conglomerate
Based in Tokyo, Japan
Founded in 1630
Official website: www.sumitomocorp.co.jp
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36. 1635 - Tuttle Farm
Tuttle family
Agriculture/Dover, N.H.
Employees: 45 winter, 75 summer
Founder John Tuttle left England 1635, survived shipwreck off Maine coast, arrived in Dover with wife and four-year-old daughter. His 240-acre farm now in 11th generation under Tuttle family, grows vegetables and strawberries, also operates retail shop on site. Twelfth-generation member Evan Hourihan, who is in his 20s, has expressed interest in the family farm. |
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37. Gekkeikan
Sake
Based in Fushimi, Japan
Founded in 1637
13th generation
Official website: www.gekkeikan.co.jp
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38. 1638 - Shirley Plantation
Hill/Carter family
Historical site/Charles City, Va.
www.shirleyplantation.com
Virginia’s oldest plantation, settled 1613 on James River between Richmond and Williamsburg by Sir Thomas West. Operated as tobacco and grain farm 1613-1952. Acquired 1638 by Edward Hill and managed by his descendants ever since. His great-granddaughter Elizabeth Hill married John Carter 1723; plantation owned since then by their descendants. Under tenth-generation owner Charles Hill Carter Jr. and wife, converted to tourist attraction 1952; since 1998, also hosts weddings and corporate events as well under Carters’ children, 11th-generation operators. |
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39. Hugel et Fils
Wine
Based in Riquewihr, France
Founded in 1639
12th generation
Official website: www.hugel.com
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40. James Lock & Co.
Hatters
Based in London, United Kingdom
Founded in 1642
Official website: www.lockhatters.co.uk
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41. 1642 - Barker Farm
Barker family
Dairy and apples/North Andover, Mass.
Revenues: $250,000 to $500,000
Employees: 1 full-time, 6 at peak
Family farm now run by 11th generation of Barkers. Visitors can pick produce. |
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42. G.C. Fox & Co.
Shipping agent
Based in Falmouth, United Kingdom
Founded in 1646
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43. R.H. Levey & Son
Funeral services
Stansted Mountfitchet, United Kingdom
Founded in 1649
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45. Ulefos Jernvaerk
Metals, milling, forestry
Based in Telemark, Norway
Founded in 1657
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46. Van Eeghen
Trading company
Based in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Founded in 1662
14th generation
Official website: www.vaneeghen.com
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47. Schwarze & Schlichte
Distillery
Based in Oelde, Germany
Founded in 1664
12th generation
Official website: www.schwarze-schlichte.de
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48. The Seaside Inn and Cottages
Innkeeping
Based in Kennebunkport, Maine
Founded in 1667
12th generation
Mason family
Official website: www.kennebunkbeach.com
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49. Early’s of Witney
Blankets
Based in Witney, United Kingdom
Founded in 1669
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50. C. Hoare & Co.
Banking
Based in London, United Kingdom
Founded in 1672
11th generation
Official website: www.hoaresbank.co.uk
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51. Firmin & Sons Ltd.
Uniforms and insignia
Based in Birmingham, United Kingdom
Founded in 1677
Official website: www.firmin.co.uk
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52. Viellard Migeon & Cie.
Iron making
Based in Forges de Morvillars, France
Founded in 1679
Official website: www.vmchooks.com
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53. 1684 - Miller Farm
Miller family
Agriculture, timber/Frederica, Del.
Revenues: $50 to $60/acre
Farm has remained in Miller family’s hands through nine generations. Its tillable land is currently leased to a local farmer. |
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54. Gradis Corp.
Wine trading
Based in Bordeaux, France
Founded in 1685
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55. Toye, Kenning & Spencer
Weavers
Based in London, United Kingdom
Founded in 1685
Official website: www.toye.com
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58. Nolet Distillery (Ketel One Vodka)
Distillery
Based in Schiedam, Netherlands
Founded in 1691
Tenth generation
Official website: www.ketelone.com
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59. Folkes Group
Real estate and engineering
Based in Lye, United Kingdom
Founded in 1697
Seventh generation
Official website: www.folkesholdings.com
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60. Berry Brothers & Rudd Ltd.
Wine merchants
Based in London, United Kingdom
Founded in 1698
Official website: www.bbr.com
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61. Shepherd Neame
Brewer
Based in Faversham, United Kingdom
Founded in 1698
Fifth generation
Official website: www.shepherd-neame.co.uk
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62. 1700 - Allandale Farm
Fruit, produce, flowers/Brookline, Mass.
Employees: 2-3 year-round, sometimes 10-20; most part-time.
www.allandalefarm.com
Last working farm within Boston-Brookline limits; only one of six farms left within Route 128 Beltway. Also operates summer outdoor program for children. |
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63. Farina Gegenüber
Fragrances
Based in Cologne, Germany
Founded in 1709
Eighth generation
Official website: www.farina1709.com
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64. William Dalton & Sons
Pest control
Based in United Kingdom
Founded in 1710
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65. 1720 - Cooke Farm
Cooke family
Farm/Wallingford, Conn.
Founded 1720 or earlier, once a thriving 550-acre dairy operation. Tenth-generation proprietor George Cooke stopped milking cows 1995, sold off most acreage, developed industrial park, now general contractor who leases remaining land to tenant farmer. |
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66. 1722 - Nourse Family Farm
Nourse family
Agriculture/Westborough, Mass.
Farm established in 1722 by grandchildren of Rebecca Nurse, innocent victim hanged for witchcraft in Salem, Mass., 1692. Family fled Salem and in 1722 purchased land on the frontier in Westborough, where descendants have farmed 140-acre spread for more than 280 years. Jonathan Nourse, proprietor since 1971, recently expanded into prepared foods (jams, jellies, pies, |
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67. Tissages Denantes
Cloth
Based in Grenoble, France
Founded in 1723
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68. Amarelli Fabbrica de Liquirizia
Licorice
Based in Rossano Scalo, Italy
Founded in 1731
Official website: eng.liquirizia.it
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69. Fratelli Piacenza Corp.
Woolens
Based in Pollone, Italy
Founded in 1733
11th generation
Official website: www.piacenza1733.it
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70. Taittinger Champagne
Champagne
Based in Reims, France
Founded in 1734
Official website: www.taittinger.com
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71. William Clark & Sons
Linen
Based in Upperlands, Northern Ireland, U.K.
Founded in 1739
9th generation
Official website: www.wmclark.co.uk
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72. 1741 - Lyman Orchards
Lyman family
Agriculture/Middlefield, Conn.
www.lymanorchards.com
The 1,100-acre farm today offers ambitious variety of food products (cider, apple pies, etc.), events (golf tournaments, fund-raisers), tours. Founding family now in eighth generation of ownership. |
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73. 1742 - John Whitley Farm
Whitley family
Agriculture/Williamston, N.C.
Oldest farm in North Carolina, now in eighth generation. Family mementos include original deed with wax seal of King of England, note from Theodore Roosevelt thanking Whitleys for lending him their binoculars. Land now leased for tobacco, corn, wheat, peanuts, soybeans. |
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74. Boplaas
Agriculture, orchards
Based in Koue Bokkeveld, Cape Town, South Africa
Founded in 1743
Ninth generation
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75. Aubanel Publishing Co.
Publishing
Based in Avignon, France
Founded in 1744
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77. J.D. Neuhaus Hebezeuge
Hoist manufacturers
Based in Witten-Heven, Germany
Founded in 1745
7th generation
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78. Villeroy & Boch
Housewares
Based in Mettlach, Germany
Founded in 1748
Official website: www.villeroy-boch.com
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79. Zenith Pipe Company
Tobacco pipes
Based in Gouda, Netherlands
Founded in 1749
8th generation
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80. 1750 - Parlange Plantation
Farm/New Roads, La.
www.pcchamber.org/parlange.htm
One of state’s oldest plantations; descendants of first owner Marquis Vincent de Ternant still live there. Originally grew indigo and cotton, now sugarcane, soybeans, corn and Brahmin cattle.
House, open for tours, contains original Louis XIV- and Louis XV-style furnishings and French objects handed down through generations. A basement museum displays antiques: blacksmith tools, cotton scales, sugar kettles (formerly used to boil indigo beans down to a dye), candle molds and an 1842 inventory of the estate, which lists livestock by name and ranks the value of each slave by age and ability. |
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81. Marie Brizard & Roger International
Distiller
Based in Bordeaux, France
Founded in 1755
Eighth generation
Official website: www.marie-brizard.com
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82. Joseph Drouhin
Wine
Based in Beaune, France
Founded in 1756
Official website: www.drouhin.com
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83. Franz Haniel
Conglomerate
Based in Duisburg, Germany
Founded in 1756
Official website: www.haniel.de
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84. Riedel Glas GmbH
Glassmaking
Based in Kufstein, Austria
Founded in 1756
11th generation
Official website: www.riedelcrystal.com
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86. Jose Cuervo
Tequila
Based in Tequila, Mexico
Founded in 1758
Official website: www.cuervo.com
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87. Waterford Wedgwood
Crystal, china, & cookware
Based in Dublin, Ireland
Founded in 1759
Official website: www.waterfordwedgwood.com
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88. Creed Perfume
Perfumes
Based in Paris, France
Founded in 1760
7th generation
Official website: www.parfumsraffy.com
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89. Griset
Foundry
Based in Villers-St. Paul, France
Founded in 1760
Official website: www.griset.com
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90. Faber-Castell
Writing instruments
Based in Stein, Germany
Founded in 1761
8th generation
Official website: www.faber-castell.com
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92. 1769 - Bachman Funeral Home
Bachman family
Funeral services
Strasburg, Pa.
www.bachmanfuneral.com
Johannes Bachman, a Swiss Mennonite, began as cabinetmaker in Lancaster County, Pa., evolved into coffins and funerals. His original business ledger (in German), dated April 1769, has been passed to the present eighth generation. John D. Bachman is the current director. |
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93. Silca
Keys & key cutting machines
Based in Vittorio Veneto, Italy
Founded in 1770
5th generation
Official website: www.silca.it
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94. Osborne y Compania
Brandy and sherry
Based in Cadiz, Spain
Founded in 1772
6th generation
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95. Editions Henry Lemoine
Music publishing
Based in Paris, France
Founded in 1772
Official website: www.editions-lemoine.fr
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96. 1774 - Stuart Land Co. of Virginia
Stuart family
Cattle/Rosedale, Va.
Employees: 12
Beef cattle operation still functioning. Henry Smith II started Clifton Farm. When his great-granddaughter Mary Taylor Carter married William Alexander Stuart, she brought a dowry of 80,000 acres, which Stuart added to his own large land holding. Currrent proprietor William (Zan) Stuart is eighth generation from founder; he has no children in the business, but his grandchildren may succeed him. |
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97. JB Fernandes & Sons
Tools & ironwares
Based in Lisbon, Portugal
Founded in 1778
6th generation
Official website: www.redcube.org/JBF
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98. 1778 - St. John Milling Co.
St. John/Dawson family
Milling, farm products/Watauga, Tenn.
Revenues: $750,000
Employees: 4
Stone mason Jeremiah Dungan built original foundation for mill and stone manor (still standing), ran mill with children Jeremiah and Mary D. Hendrix. Mill passed to son Jeremiah’s daughter Mary and her husband, John Houston (brother of frontier hero Sam Houston), and then to their sons John Jr. and William Houston. Succeeded 1866 by George W. St. John (1837-1904), great-nephew of Jeremiah Dungan. His son James St. John (1874-1956) inherited mill from his father, 1904. His son George St. John, electrical engineer, succeeded him, converted farm’s power source from water to electricity. Today mill is owned by George’s daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Ron Dawson (sixth generation). Operation changed from general feed and milling to feed and seed store. Because of shifting boundaries, company has paid taxes in three different states: North Carolina, Tennessee and the short-lived “State of Franklin.” |
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99. Ditta Bortolo Nardini
Distillery
Based in Bassano del Grappa, Italy
Founded in 1779
Official website: www.nardini.it
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100. 1780 - Laird & Co.
Laird family
Brandy distiller/Scobeyville, N.J.
Revenues: $40 million
Employees: 50
www.lairdandcompany.com
America’s first large-scale distiller produces AppleJack brandy, vodka, gin, scotch, bourbon, tequila, rum, wines, etc. Laird family settled in New Jersey from Scotland 1698; one ancestor opened Colts Neck Inn 1717. Robert Laird, Revolutionary War soldier, first distilled AppleJack in 1780 to serve at inn, provided brandy to George Washington. Robert’s third son Samuel took over inn 1812; distillery flourished there until destroyed by fire, 1849. His son Robert moved distillery to present Scobeyville site 1851. Company survived Prohibition by producing sweet cider, applesauce, other apple products; since 1990 has imported wines from Europe. Company now headed by eighth-generation Larrie W. Laird and his children, Lisa Laird Dunn and John E. Laird III. |
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