The Oldest Companies Still Operating Today
Here are detailed descriptions of some of the oldest companies still in operation today:
- Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan (Japan, 705 AD): A hot spring hotel in Yamanashi Prefecture, run by 52 generations of the same family. It has been welcoming guests for over 1,300 years.
- Kongo Gumi (Japan, 578 AD): Originally a family-run construction company specializing in Buddhist temples. Though it was absorbed into a larger corporation in 2006, Kongo Gumi still operates as a subsidiary and continues its construction work.
- St. Peter Stifts Kulinarium (Austria, 803 AD): Located in Salzburg, this restaurant has been in continuous operation for over 1,200 years. It is believed to have been founded by Saint Peter’s Abbey, and has hosted many historical figures over the centuries.
- Sean’s Bar (Ireland, 900 AD): Located in Athlone, it holds the title of the oldest pub in Ireland. The pub still operates in its original location and continues to be a social hub.
- Staffelter Hof (Germany, 862 AD): One of the oldest wineries in the world, Staffelter Hof was founded as part of a monastery. The vineyard and winery have continued for over 1,150 years, with wine production still in full swing.
- The Shore Porters Society (Scotland, 1498): Founded in Aberdeen, this company originally provided hauling services and continues today as one of the world’s oldest transport and logistics companies.
- Cambridge University Press (UK, 1534): The oldest publishing house in the world, established by King Henry VIII, it continues to publish academic and educational materials.
- Tuttle Farm (USA, 1632): The oldest continuously operating family farm in the United States, located in New Hampshire, the Tuttle Farm has been in operation for nearly 400 years, now focusing on farm produce and agritourism.
These companies have withstood centuries of change and continue to operate, many in the same industries they were founded in. Their longevity reflects their adaptability, strong heritage, and commitment to quality.
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