Looking for the Oldest Companies In The World?
What are the oldest companies in the world still in operation?
Who makes the list?
Keep reading as we have gathered exactly the information that you need!
Let me give you the list of the oldest companies in operation in the world!
Are you ready?
Let’s get started!
Oldest Companies In The World
Starting a business is a highly rewarding venture for the business owner.
To start a business and succeed, you need to create value for society.
When a company continually creates value for society and remains profitable, it can technically survive perpetually.
Speaking of perpetually, have you wondered what are the oldest companies in the world that are still in operation?
Well, I have compiled the list for you!
The Oldest Company In The World
According to various reports, the oldest company in the world is a Japanese company called Kongō Gumi.
Kongō Gumi was founded in 578 (that’s well over 1,425 years ago) as a family-owned business.
Kongō Gumi operated in the construction sector building Buddhist temples when it got started.
In 2006, the company was acquired by Takamatsu Construction Group as its subsidiary when it fell on hard times financially.
Top 21 Oldest Companies In The World
Rank Year Founded Company Name Country Industry
1 578 Kongō Gumi Japan Construction
2 705 Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan Japan Hotel
3 707 Koman Japan Hotel
4 718 Hōshi Ryokan Japan Hotel
5 771 Genda Shigyō Japan Ceremonial paper goods
6 803 Stiftskeller St. Peter Austria Restaurant
7 862 Staffelter Hof Germany Wine
8 864 Monnaie de Paris France Coin Production
9 885 Tanaka-Iga Japan Religious goods
10 900 Sean's Bar Ireland Pub
11 953 The Bingley Arms UK Pub
12 970 Nakamura Shaji Japan Construction
13 1000 Château de Goulaine France Wine
14 1000 Marinelli Bell Foundry Italy Foundry
15 1000 Ichimonjiya Wasuke Japan Confectionery
16 1024 Shumiya-Shinbutsuguten Japan Religious goods
17 1040 Weihenstephan Germany Brewery
18 1050 Weltenburger Germany Brewery
19 1068 Otterton Mill UK Mill
20 1074 Affligem brewery Belgium Brewery
21 1074 Benediktinerstift Admont Austria Woodworking
Top 21 Oldest Companies In The World By Country
Rank Year Founded Company Name Country Industry
1 578 Kongo Gumi Japan Construction
2 803 St. Peter Stifts Kulinarium Austria Restaurant
3 862 Staffelter Hof Winery Germany Brewery
4 864 Monnaie de Paris France Coin Production
5 900 Sean’s Bar Ireland Bar
6 1040 Marinelli Bell Foundry Italy Bell Foundry
7 1074 Affligem Brewery Belgium Brewery
8 1135 Munke Mølle Denmark Food and Beverage
9 1136 Aberdeen Harbour Board Scotland Shipping
10 1153 Ma Yu Ching’s Bucket Chicken House China Restaurant
11 1218 Casa de Ganaderos Spain Meat Distributor
12 1230 Gasthof Sternen Switzerland Inn
13 1248 Bochnia Salt Mine Poland Salt Plant
14 1250 Drohobych Salt Plant Ukraine Salt Plant
15 1328 Kremnica Mint Slovakia Coin Production
16 1340 The Brand Brewery Netherlands Brewery
17 1346 Skyllbergs Bruk Sweden Enterprise
18 1348 Pivovar Broumov Czechia Brewery
19 1422 Raeapteek Estonia Pharmacy
20 1511 Mousel Luxembourg Brewery
21 1514 Trinity House England Shipping

Takeaways
So there you have it folks!
For a company to make our list of the oldest company in the world, the requirement was for the company to still be in operation today.
Based on my research it appears that all of the companies on our list are still active and in operation.
Out of 21 of the oldest companies in the world, 9 are from Japan, 3 from Germany, 2 from France, 2 from the UK, and 2 from Austria.
All the oldest companies in the world are in operation for at least 948 years.
12 of the oldest companies in the world that are still in operation were founded before the year 1,000.
Now that you know what are the oldest companies in the world, good luck with your research!