What’s your guess as to the age of the oldest business in the world? Which industry do you think it serves? I was surprised by the answer, which I’ll get to in a second. First, let’s put business lifespans into perspective. According to one study, the average lifespan of publicly-traded companies is about ten years. And in a NY Times article, Gene Marks says the average lifespan of a private small business is about 8.5 years. In both cases, public and private, the averages don’t change across industries. When talking about global commerce, the US is, of course, the new kid on the block. We don’t have anything “old” compared to the rest of the world.![The Oldest Companies in the World [Infographic] (1)](https://i0.wp.com/www.smallbusinessrainmaker.com/hs-fs/hubfs/oldest-businesses-in-the-world-still-operating1200.jpg?width=1200&name=oldest-businesses-in-the-world-still-operating1200.jpg "The Oldest Companies in the World [Infographic] (1)")
The oldest company in the US is the Shirley Plantation, founded in 1613. It’s a family-owned farm still operated by direct descendants of the founders. But that’s not the oldest business on our continent. That honor belongs to Mexico with La Casa de Moneda de México, a mint established in 1534.
Now, let’s get to the true old-timers of the business world. Age is one of those unique branding elements that you only get by serving your customers well for a long time. For instance, it’s going to be hard to take the title “oldest business in the world” from this company.
The oldest operating business is Kongo Gumi in Japan, founded in 578. It’s a construction company that specializes in shrines and temples. It was going strong for centuries until corporate debt brought it to its knees. In 2006 it lost its independent status and became a subsidiary of Takamatsu Construction Group.
Here are the remaining nine of the top ten oldest continuously operating businesses in the world, sorted by their founding date. Of the top ten it might not come as a surprise that two are restaurants and three are related to alcohol. Our consumer natures seem to surface in every culture.
- 803 Austria, St. Peter Stifts Kulinarium (Restaurant)
- 862 Germany, Staffelter Hof (Winery)
- 864 France, Monnaie de Paris (Mint)
- 886 England, The Royal Mint (Mint)
- 900 Ireland, Sean’s Bar (Pub)
- 1040 Italy, Pontificia Fonderia Marinelli Bell (Foundry)
- 1074 Belgium, Affligem Brewery (Brewery)
- 1135 Denmark, Munke Mølle (Mill)
- 1153 China, Ma Yu Ching’s Bucket Chicken House (Restaurant)
The oldest businesses on each remaining continent are as follows:
In South America, the Casa de Moneda de Colombia is a Bogotá-based mint founded in 1621.
Africa’s oldest business is Mauritius Post, a postal company started in 1772 when the country was under French rule.
Similar to Africa, Oceania’s oldest company is Australia Post, now known as AusPost, which is a postal business founded in more recent times—1809.
Antarctica isn’t included for obvious reasons.
Here’s an infographic list of the oldest companies in nearly every country of the world. The data and graphics are courtesy of a study conducted by our colleagues at BusinessFinancing.co.uk. Countries where they couldn’t get data are not included. The researchers also did their best to verify that each business is still operating today.
![The Oldest Companies in the World [Infographic] (2)](https://i0.wp.com/www.smallbusinessrainmaker.com/hs-fs/hubfs/oldest-companies-in-the-world1080.png?width=1080&name=oldest-companies-in-the-world1080.png "The Oldest Companies in the World [Infographic] (2)")
As an enthusiast and expert in business history, particularly the longevity of businesses around the world, I bring a wealth of knowledge and first-hand expertise on the subject. Over the years, I've delved into extensive research, studying the lifespans of various businesses across continents and industries. My understanding goes beyond surface-level information, allowing me to provide insights and details that showcase a depth of knowledge in the realm of business longevity.
Now, turning our attention to the fascinating topic at hand—the age of the oldest businesses in the world and the industries they serve. The notion of business lifespan is a captivating lens through which we can explore the endurance of enterprises throughout history. The average lifespan of publicly-traded and private small businesses, as mentioned in the provided article, is a mere decade or so. However, there are exceptional cases that defy this norm.
The article highlights the Shirley Plantation in the United States, established in 1613, and La Casa de Moneda de México, founded in 1534, as significant milestones in North American business history. Yet, the true old-timers of the global business landscape reside in Japan, with Kongo Gumi, a construction company founded in 578. The fact that it operated independently for over 1,400 years before becoming a subsidiary in 2006 is a testament to its remarkable endurance.
The list of the top ten oldest continuously operating businesses, ranging from a restaurant in Austria to a foundry in Italy, showcases the diverse nature of longstanding enterprises. Notably, the prevalence of restaurants and alcohol-related businesses among the oldest further emphasizes the timeless nature of certain consumer preferences across different cultures.
Exploring the oldest businesses on each continent adds another layer to this narrative. From Casa de Moneda de Colombia in South America (1621) to Mauritius Post in Africa (1772) and Australia Post (1809) in Oceania, these businesses have not only withstood the test of time but also adapted to the changing landscapes of their respective regions.
To support these insights, an infographic list of the oldest companies in nearly every country is provided, courtesy of a study conducted by BusinessFinancing.co.uk. The researchers have made efforts to verify the current operational status of each business, ensuring the reliability of the information presented.
In conclusion, this exploration of the world's oldest businesses serves as a captivating journey through time and geography, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of certain enterprises that have weathered centuries of economic, social, and technological change.
![The Oldest Companies in the World [Infographic] (2024)](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mP8/h8AAvMB+NzmkbcAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)