There are companies that seem to have perfected the art of weathering any storm that comes their way. From the Monte Carlo, Casino De Spur, and Casino Baden Baden, which have been offering gambling services for decades, to Bally Wulf, which now develops online roulette games, some businesses have perfected the art of surviving all sorts of calamities.
Despite recessions, wars, slumps, and depressions, these companies and many more have positioned themselves to stand the test of time. In this article, we look at some of the oldest businesses that still operate to date. You’ll be surprised to know that some have existed for millennia.
Kongō Gumi — The Oldest Company With More than 1,400 Years
Kongō Gumi is the oldest operating company worldwide. As the name suggests, the company was founded in Japan one century after the fall of the Roman Empire. Interestingly, it has survived extreme changes in the country’s economy, culture, and governance. Kongō Gumi continues to observe and practice the family values and traditions that have guided it for the past 1400 years.
St. Peter Stiftskulinarium – The Oldest Restaurant In Europe
Founded in 803, St. Peter Stiftskulinarium is the oldest known restaurant in Europe! Diners visiting the establishment are accommodated in a relaxed, nicely decked interior that oozes history. The hotel mainly serves Mediterranean and Austrian dishes, with classics such as Tafelspitz being the favourite among diners. It also has premium stakes and over 500 wines! You can also visit a nicely decorated baroque function room on the 1st floor.
Staffelter Hof – One Of The Oldest Family Winery, Distillery And Guest House
Covid caused a massive disruption in the hotel and entertainment industry. Many establishments closed their doors permanently, while others had to do a lot of restructuring to remain open. But this is not the case for Staffelter Hof, a small farmhouse based in Kröv. The establishment was first opened in AD 862 after King Lothar II gifted the winery to the monastery of Stavelot. This is how the name “Staffelter” came to be. Since then, the winery has continued to operate and has served millions of people from all over the world. Even with all the businesses shutting down during the Covid 19, the establishment’s doors remain open, and it continues to remain relevant.
The Royal Mint – The Biggest and Oldest Minting Establishment Worldwide
This organization has been minting coins in the United Kingdom for over a millennium. While the exact date when the company was founded isn’t clear, many sources seem to agree it was established in the late 800s. Between then and now, the Royal Mint has been producing coins that tell the stories of the United Kingdom through floods, jubilees, famines, wars, and the technological era. If you were to do a collection of coins that the Royal Mint has been producing throughout its existence, you’d have a perfect story of the UK’s history.
The Royal Mint doesn’t only produce coins for the UK market. On the contrary, it exports mints used to make coins in other commonwealth countries, including New Zealand and Australia. In fact, the company is responsible for producing medals and coins for 60+ countries worldwide.
Baker’s Chocolate
This list would not be complete without including an American company. Baker’s Chocolate is one of the oldest American companies, founded in 1765 by a renowned Irish immigrant – John Hannon, and a Harvard-educated doctor, James Baker. According to the company’s books, Hannon was the first to manufacture chocolate in 1772. In 1779, he left for the West Indies to purchase cocoa but never returned. Baker, who’d been left in charge, took over the company and steered it to new heights. Over the years, the company has changed its names and hands. Currently, it is owned by Kraft Heinz, although it continues selling a wide variety of Baker’s branded goods.
Colgate
Here is a fun fact: Colgate was never a toothpaste company. The company was founded by William Colgate in 1806 in New York. Initially, they sold candles and soaps before venturing into the perfume business in 1886. It wasn’t until 1873 when the company finally ventured into the toothpaste business and debuted the notoriously popular “Colgate aromatic toothpaste in jars.” As of 2023, the company has more than $16 billion in sales and operates in more than 200 countries.
Summing-Up
As per a report published by the Bank of Korea in 2008, which examined 41 countries, there are over 5500 companies that have been in existence for the past 200 years. Japan has the highest number, with 3,146 (or 56% of the share). Germany, Netherlands, and France come in second, third, and fourth positions with 837 (15%), 222 (4%), and 196 (3%), respectively. You’ll be wowed to know that a nationwide survey in Japan showed there are more than 21000 companies older than 100 years. If you want help with opening your company you can checkout opencompanysingapore.com they have dedicated staff that will assist you.
