The Oldest Companies We Can’t Believe Are Still Operating

We Can't Believe These Companies Are Still Operating

Some businesses don’t just survive the test of time; they thrive for centuries. These businesses have endured economic crises and massive technological changes while staying true to their roots. Let’s explore some of the oldest companies in operation and the secrets behind their incredible longevity.

Colgate

Colgate didn’t start with toothpaste. It began in 1806 as a soap and candle business in New York City. Over time, it introduced perfumes and, in 1873, its first toothpaste in jars. After merging with Palmolive in 1928, Colgate grew into a global brand, now selling products in over 200 countries and topping $19 billion in sales.

Colgate-Palmolive corporate offices in New York Park Avenue Wusel007, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Macy’s

Macy’s has been a shopping icon for generations, starting as RH Macy & Co in Boston. Founded in 1843, it grew from small dry goods stores to its famous New York location on 34th Street in 1902. Known for its dazzling window displays and grand marketing events, Macy’s expanded nationwide in the 1990s.

Macy's Herald Square, the flagship store on Herald Square in Manhattan Ajay Suresh, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

IBM

IBM was founded in 1911 and has shaped the tech world for over a century. From pioneering social security systems to facing major controversies, its history is filled with highs and lows. After nearly collapsing in the 1980s, a bold turnaround in the 90s put IBM back on top. Today, under CEO Arvind Krishna, the company continues to be a leader in computing and innovation.

Headquarters of IBM CHQ in Armonk, New York, in 2014 Treesmittenex, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Royal Mint

The Royal Mint, founded by Alfred the Great, has shaped Britain’s currency for over 1,100 years. From crafting coins for kings to minting currency for nations worldwide, its legacy is unmatched.

Headquarters of The Royal Mint in Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales Nigel Davies, Wikimedia Commons

Cambridge University Press

Cambridge University Press (CUP) is the world’s oldest publishing house, founded at the prestigious university that shares its name. It all started when Henry VIII permitted them to print "all manner of books," and they’ve been publishing groundbreaking works ever since.

Cambridge University Press head office in Cambridge, England Cmdcam01, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

HarperCollins Publishers

James and John Harper started their publishing business as J & J Harper, later becoming Harper & Brothers when two more siblings joined in 1833. By 1850, they were publishing magazines, and over the next century, they grew into one of New York’s “big five” publishers. After mergers in the late 1980s, HarperCollins was born, and today, it’s a global publishing powerhouse.

HarperCollins’ headquarters at 195 Broadway, New York City, New York, United States Jim.henderson, Wikimedia Commons

Hudson's Bay Company

Hudson’s Bay Company proudly calls itself "North America’s oldest company ". It started as a British fur trader searching for a northwest passage. Over the centuries, it expanded into fur, petroleum, and financial services before becoming the department store retailer it is today.

Facade Of The Hudson's Bay Department Store On Queen Street, Toronto, Canada Nic Zaraza, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Consolidated Edison

Con Edison was founded in 1823 and began replacing whale oil lamps with gas lighting in Manhattan. It is the longest-listed stock on the New York Stock Exchange since 1824. Over time, the company expanded into electricity, becoming Consolidated Edison in 1936. Today, it powers millions of homes and businesses across New York City and Westchester County.

The tower and part of the main building of the Consolidated Edison Company Building Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Royal Delft

The world’s finest pottery comes from one place—Royal Delft in the town of Delft, Holland. So iconic is its blue-and-white design that it’s simply called Delftware. It’s the only pottery brand approved by the Dutch Royal Family.

Photo of Main factory of Royal Delft the Porceleyne Fles in Delft M.Minderhoud, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Twinings Tea

Founded in 1706, Thomas Twining built a legacy on tea leaves, once selling his Gunpowder Green Tea for the modern equivalent of $260 per 100 grams. With the world’s oldest corporate logo still in use and the same London address for over 300 years, Twinings is a true icon of tradition and quality.

Twinings' shop on the Strand in central London was established as a tea room in 1706 Elisa.rolle, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Sotheby's

In 1744, English bookseller Samuel Baker held a book auction that would change the world—that was the start of Sotheby’s. Now a symbol of luxury, Sotheby’s has mastered selling high-value treasures, from rare coins to fine art and real estate.

Sotheby's headquarters on York Avenue, on the Upper East Side of Manhattan ajay_suresh, Wikimedia Commons

Lloyd's

Lloyd’s, now the world’s leading insurance market, started in a 17th-century London coffee house where traders looked for marine insurance. Over 300 years later, it covers everything from ships to specialty risks worldwide.

Lloyd's Building in the City of London viewed from St Mary Axe DanielMichaelPerry, Wikimedia Commons

Shirley Plantation

Shirley Plantation, located on the James River in Virginia, is America’s oldest family-owned business. Established just six years after Jamestown, 11 generations have run it, and it has survived everything from the American Revolution to the Great Depression. Its history also includes the use of servants and enslaved people from 1616 until slavery was abolished in 1865.

Manor Home Of Shirley Plantation, Virginia's Oldest Plantation, Founded In 1613 Carol M. Highsmith, Wikimedia Commons

Caswell-Massey

Founded in 1752 by Dr William Hunter, Caswell-Massey began as an apothecary shop in Newport, Rhode Island, serving elite clients with perfumes and personal care products. Even George Washington gifted its famous Number Six Cologne to the Marquis de Lafayette. Today, the brand is based in New Jersey, selling its luxury products online and through select retailers, keeping its rich history alive.

Caswell-Massey Onyx Natural Bath Soap made with Austrian black clay Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers, Getty Images

Nakamura Shaji

Nakamura Shaji, based in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, specializes in building Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and intricate wooden structures. Devoted to preserving Japan’s heritage, Nakamura Shaji keeps centuries-old construction techniques alive.

The keep of Nagoya Castle & the Honmaru Palace at Aichi Prefecture Bariston, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Kongo Gumi

Kongo Gumi, founded in 578 AD, is the world’s oldest operating company. For over 1,400 years, this Osaka-based firm has built temples and shrines, preserving Japan’s rich craftsmanship and tradition. Despite challenges, its dedication to quality has kept it standing as a symbol of resilience and cultural heritage.

Kongō Yoshie, the 38th master carpenter of Kongō Gumi and employees. 撮影者, Wikimedia Commons

Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan

Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is the world’s oldest hotel. For over 1,300 years, it has welcomed guests to relax in its natural hot springs. Blending tradition with modern comforts, this historic inn remains a cherished destination for those seeking a timeless escape.

Photo of Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan a hot spring hotel in Hayakawa Japan Boltor, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

St Peter Stifts Kulinarium

Founded in 803 AD, St Peter Stifts Kulinarium in Salzburg, Austria, is one of the world’s oldest restaurants. Nestled within St Peter’s Abbey, it has served fine cuisine for over 1,200 years. Its rich history and dedication to culinary excellence remain a true gem of Austrian dining.

Photo of St. Peter Stiftskulinarium in Salzburg, Austria Kent Wang, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Koman

Sennen-no Yu Koman is a historic Japanese inn in Hyōgo Prefecture, dating back to 717. Hiuke Gonnokami's family has owned and managed the ryokan for 46 generations. It is located near a hot spring and Shisho Shrine and offers guests a traditional and relaxing stay.

Landscape Photo of Kinosaki Kinosaki District, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan Samchan91, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Staffelter Hof

Staffelter Hof, located in Germany’s Mosel Valley, has been making wine for over 1,150 years. With centuries of expertise, Staffelter Hof continues to captivate wine lovers worldwide.

Photo of Staffelter Hof situated in the small town of Kröv, Germany Martin Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Sean’s Bar

Sean’s Bar in Athlone, Ireland, has been serving drinks and stories for over 1,100 years, making it the world’s oldest pub. It’s located along the River Shannon, a warm and welcoming spot filled with history and Irish charm. With its timeless atmosphere, it remains a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

Photo of Sean's Bar a pub in Athlone, the oldest pub in Ireland Adie Jackson, Wikimedia Commons

Monnaie De Paris

Monnaie de Paris, founded in 864 AD by King Charles the Bald, is the world’s oldest mint. For over 1,150 years, it has crafted coins and medals along the Seine, blending tradition with modern techniques.

The Monnaie de Paris is the national monetary institution of France PHGCOM, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Tanaka Iga

Tanaka Iga, based in Iga, Japan, is famous for its beautiful Iga-yaki pottery. With over 1,000 years of history, it has kept ceramic-making alive. Tanaka Iga continues to create timeless pieces by blending ancient techniques with modern innovation.

Buda statue At Sosen-ji Temple in the Shimogyo-ku district of Kyoto Hyppolyte de Saint-Rambert, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Genda Shigyō Paper

Genda Shigyō Paper Industries, Japan’s oldest paper mill, has made handmade washi paper for over 1,200 years. Known for its exceptional quality, it continues to inspire artists and preserve tradition. Its lasting legacy makes it a faithful guardian of Japan’s cultural heritage.

Photo of The Shishinden a majestic building in the Kyoto Imperial Palace Saigen Jiro, Wikimedia Commons

Fonderia Pontificia Marinelli

Fonderia Pontificia Marinelli in Agnone, Italy, is the world’s oldest family-run foundry. It has been crafting bells for over 1,000 years. Its bells ring in cathedrals and churches worldwide, each a testament to tradition. With every creation, the foundry keeps its rich heritage alive.

Photo of Bells at the Marinelli Pontifical Foundry Museum di Marina Greco, Wikimedia Commons

Benediktinerstift Admont

Benediktinerstift Admont was founded in 1074, and renamed Admont Abbey. It’s the oldest monastery in Styria, Austria. What started as small-scale woodworking grew into Stift Admont (Stia), a major timber processing company. Today, it produces high-quality natural wood floors, panels, and staircases.

Photo of Southwest view of the Admont Abbey, Austria. C.Stadler/Bwag, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Affligem Brewery

Built around 1074, the Abbey of Affligem is one of Belgium’s oldest breweries. While the monks no longer brew the drinks, Heineken now produces them under their license. This centuries-old tradition lives on in every bottle of Affligem drink.

The Op-Ale brewery in Opwijk, Belgium was licensed by the Affligem Abbey to brew beers Herman.vandenbroeck, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Otterton Mill

Otterton Mill has existed since 1068, using waterpower to grind traditional stone-ground flour. Though milling declined in 1959, a local family's restoration in 1977 brought it back to life. Today, it’s a popular tourist spot that celebrates history.

Photo of Otterton Water Mill near Budleigh Salterton in Devon, England Chris Allen, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Zildjian

Zildjian, the world’s top cymbal maker, started in the Ottoman Empire before Avedis Zildjian’s family brought it to the US. Some of the greatest drummers, Ringo Starr, Neil Peart, and Charlie Watts, have played Zildjian cymbals. The company is so iconic that even during WWII, the US government ensured they had copper to keep making music.

Close Up Photo of Zildjian A Custom 22 Jdpaschal, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Weihenstephan Brewery

Weihenstephan Abbey in Bavaria has been brewing drinks for nearly 1,000 years, making it the world’s oldest brewery. The secret to its longevity? Incredibly good drinks.

Photo of Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan Brewery Pahu, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Weltenburg Abbey

Weltenburg Abbey in Germany is one of the world’s oldest monastery breweries, with brewing history dating back to 1050. With centuries of tradition, the Abbey continues to craft exceptional drinks.

Photo of Weltenburg Abbey Benedictine monastery in Weltenburg Bavaria, Germany Octobrist, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Shumiya-Shinbutsuguten

Shumiya-Shinbutsuguten, the world’s second-oldest maker of shrine and funeral goods, has been crafting Buddhist altar equipment, temple fittings, and tombstones for centuries. As demand for these products declines, the company is evolving by offering traditional Japanese art goods to a global audience.

Kai-Zenkoji-temple main hall of a Buddhist temple Kofu-city Yamanashi Japan さかおり, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Hōshi Ryokan

Hōshi is a historic Japanese inn that has welcomed guests since 718 in Ishikawa Prefecture. Run by the Hoshi family for 46 generations, it has modernized over time while keeping its traditional charm. With 70 beautifully designed rooms featuring tatami mats, shoji sliding doors, and classic Japanese touches, it offers an authentic taste of Japan’s.

Photo of Hōshi Ryokan Japanese traditional inn founded in 718 Namazu-tron, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Bingley Arms

The Bingley Arms, in Bardsey, West Yorkshire, is Britain’s oldest pub, dating back to 905. With over a thousand years of history, it has served countless travelers and locals alike. It proudly holds a spot among the world’s oldest companies.

Photo of The Bingley Arms in Bardsey, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England Ian S, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ichimonjiya Wasuke

Ichimonjiya Wasuke, a historic confectionery in Kyoto, has been making wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) for over 1,000 years. Run by the 25th generation of the Hasegawa family, it started near Imamiya Shrine to serve visiting pilgrims. Today, it still delights shrine visitors and tourists with its timeless treats.

Photo of Ichimonjiya Wasuke confectionery company located in Kita-ku, Kyoto, Japan Hisagi, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Shore Porters Society

For over 500 years, the Shore Porters Society in Aberdeen, Scotland, has been moving people’s belongings, long before moving companies were even a thing. They’ve been hauling goods since the days of Columbus, staying true to their no-nonsense, old-school branding.

Photo of The Shore Porters Society company based in Aberdeen, Scotland Oyoyoy, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Hartford Courant

Founded in 1764, the Hartford Courant is America’s oldest continuously published newspaper. Over the years, it has made history, with George Washington placing ads, Mark Twain trying to buy stock, and even Thomas Jefferson losing a libel case against it. Today, despite closing its Connecticut office in 2020, the Courant continues to reach thousands of readers with a remote team.

The Hartford Courant building in downtown Hartford Sage Ross, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Beretta

If you’ve fired a firearm in the last 500 years, there’s a good chance it was a Beretta. The company began when the Arsenal of Venice ordered 185 barrels for the arquebus, an early hand cannon. Thanks to its iron-rich hometown and over 400 years of family ownership, Beretta remains the world’s oldest firearm maker.

Photo of Gardone Val Trompia a town in Lombardy, northern Italy Mik2001, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

JPMorgan Chase

The largest bank in the US, JPMorgan Chase, started small as the Manhattan Company, founded by Aaron Burr. Meant initially to build New York City’s waterworks, a clever clause in its charter let Burr turn it into a bank instead. After countless mergers and a significant role in financing railroads in the 1800s, it evolved into JP Morgan & Co and remains a powerhouse across multiple industries today.

Future JPMorganChase headquarters at 270 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan CrossingLights, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Oldest Companies Still Operating