BizAims

Undoubtedly family business represents the most lasting type of business.

The expert in family business, Professor Willian O'Hara, in one of his books mentioned about family business the following: "Before the multinational corporation, there was family business. Before the Industrial Revolution, there was family business.

Before the enlightenment of Greece and the empire of Rome, there was family business."

Below there's a list of world's top 100 oldest companies that represent family business.

These firms can surely state that they managed to outlast governments, nations and cities. But most importantly these family businesses outlasted once mighty transnational corporations.

The list may not be entirely accurate and it doesn't claim to be scientific. Visitors are free to provide any information that might have been missed.

1. Kongo Gumi – founded in 578

Construction company based in Osaka, Japan. The firm was founded back in 578. It ended its activity in 2007, being considered the oldest company in the world until then.

It was operated by the representatives of the 40^th generation. Prince Shotoku was the one to bring the representative of Kongo family to Japan from Korea.

The event took place more that 1,400 years ago. The Kongo family was brought to construct the Buddhist Shitennoji Temple, which, by the way, still can be viewed today.

Throughout centuries, Kongo Gumi has taken part in the creation of many well-known buildings like the Osaka castle, constructed in the 16^th century.

2. Hoshi Ryokan – founded in 718.

The firm's business deals with innkeeping. The company was founded in Komatsu, Japan in 718.

The firm is operated by the family's members, who represent its 46^th generation. The legend states that the god of Mount Hakusan once visited a Buddhist priest and asked him to uncover a hot spring located underground in a nearby village. When he found the hot spring, the priest asked that his student, the son of a woodcutter, Garyo Saskiri, construct and run a spa on the spot.

Since then his family, who was known as Hoshi, have managed a hotel in Komatsu. The structure that stands today is able to house 450 people, in its 100 rooms. Each customer is treated as a privileged guest. In addition each customer receives a traditional Japanese welcome by being invited to a tea ceremony. Today its manager is Zengoro Hoshi.

The firm's official website in: http://www.ho-shi.co.jp/jiten/Houshi_E/.

3. Chateau de Goulaine – founded in 1000.

This place represents a vineyard, museum and a butterfly collection.

It is located in Haute Goulaine, France and was founded back in 1000.

The castle is run by a Goulaine family, who possesses an extremely rare butterfly collection.

The family's museum hosts different functions, including weddings. Visitors can purchase wine made from the castle's vineyards.

The firm's official site is: http://chateau.goulaine.online.fr

4. Fonderia Pontificia Marinelli – founded in 1000.

This bell foundry was set in Agnore, Italy in 1000. Agnore is a small town located high in the Appenine hills. The firm's managers still apply the same techniques of using wax as the firm's founders (a wax "false bell" is covered with the actual thing).

The bells of Fonderia Pontificia Marinelli are toll worldwide, in: New York, Beijing, Jerusalem, South America and Korea. The family business currently employs 20 people. Among these employees there are 5 members of the Marinelli family.

Today the firm is managed by Pasquale Marinelli. In 1997, the firm opened its museum, which shows the work of Pasquale's brother, an Italian sculptor Ettore Marinelli.

5. Barone Ricasoli – founded in 1141.

The firm produces wine and olive oil. It was founded in Siena, Italy back in 1141.

For the first time the land was given to the Ricasoli barons by the Republic of Florence. The land today serves as the family's Brolio Estate, occupying around 3,600 acres.

The central activity of the family is focused around wine production. Ricasoli has only 26 acres used for the cultivation of olives.

The firm's official website is: www.ricasoli.it

6. Barovier & Toso – founded in 1295

A glass making family business based in Venezia, Italy.

The firm was founded in 1295.

On Murano Island it creates crystalline glass, mother-of-pearl glass as well as gold-free cornelian red.

The island is located 10 minutes ferry ride from Venice.

In 1936 the Barovier family merged with the Toso family. The latter were also a family that worked in the field of glass production.

The official site of the firm is: www.barovier.com.

7. Hotel Pilgrim Haus – founded in 1304

This family business refers to innkeeping. It was founded in 1304 in Soest, Germany.

Currently the Hotel Pilgrim Haus is run by the Andernach family in Soest, which is a town located 110 miles north of Frankfurt.

The company's official website is: www.pilgrimhaus.de.

8. Richard de Bas – founded in 1326

This family business makes paper. It was founded in Amvert d'Auvergne, France in 1326. The firm has a longstanding reputation for producing high-quality papers.

This fact led to a number of high-profile jobs. It is worth mentioning that the firm has provided paper for limited-edition works made by Braque and Picasso.

The company also operates a museum.

The firm's official site is: www.richarddebas.fr.

9. Torrini Firenze – founded in 1369

This business is represented by a family of goldsmiths. The family founded its business in 1369 in Florence, Italy.

Florence was the destination of Jacopus Torrini when he decided to move away from his native village of Scarperia and create armor for Florentine knights. Later the workshop of Torrini developed into a goldsmith, where the master made jewels along with other objects of high value.

One of the family's most valuable creations is its mysterious "Oro Nativo" method of manufacturing. This method refers to the process of working with gold while maintaining its most natural color.

The firm's official website is: www.torrini.com.

10. Antinori – founded in 1383

The Florence-based company works in the field of wine production. It was founded in Florence, Italy in 1385 and is currently operated by the representatives of the family's 19^th generation.

Ever since Giovanni di Piero Antinori stuck together with the Florentine Guild of Vintners, the Italian family has been making high-quality wine. Today a system of vineyards located in Italy, United States, Hungary, Malta and Chile is under control of Marchese (Count) Piero Antinori and his 3 daughters.

The company's Chiantis and other classics are highly appreciated by consumers and wine critics worldwide. Since 1506 the firm has be located in a Florentine palazzo.

Below there's a list of other ninety companies that were founded several centuries ago.  

11. Camuffo
Shipbuilding.
Based in Portogruaro, Italy.
Founded in 1438
18th generation
12. Baronnie de Coussergues
Wine business Based in Montblanc, France.
Founded in 1495
16th generation
Official website: www.henokiens.com/index_baronnie_gb.php
13. Grazia Deruta
Ceramics. Based in Turin, Italy
Founded in 1500
14. Fabbrica D’Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A.
Firearms. Based in Gardone, Italy
Founded in 1526
14th generation
Official website: www.beretta.it
15. William Prym GmbH & Co.
Copper, brass, haberdashery. Based in Stolberg, Germany
Founded in 1530
Official website: www.prym.com   
16. John Brooke & Sons
Woolens. Based in Huddersfield, United Kingdom
Founded in 1541
15th generation
Official website: www.brookesmill.co.uk
17. Codorniu
Wine business Based in Saint Sadurni d'Anoia, Spain
Founded in 1551
Official website: www.codorniu.es
18. Fonjallaz
Wine Based in Lavaux, Switzerland
Founded in 1552
13th generation
Official website: www.fonjallaz.info
19. von Poschinger Manufaktur
Glassmaking Based in Frauenau, Germany
Founded in 1568
13th generation
Official website: www.poschinger.de
20. Hacienda Los Lingues
Ranch
Based in San Fernando, Chile
Founded in 1575
15th generation
Official website: www.loslingues.cl
21. Wachsendustrie Fulda Adam Gies
Candles, wax figures
Based in Fulda, Germany
Founded in 1589
Maker of candles and wax figures still operated by the founding Gies family.
22. Berenberg Bank
Banking Based in Hamburg, Germany
Founded in 1590
Official website: www.berenberg.de
23. R. Durtnell & Sons
Construction Based in Kent, United Kingdom
Founded in 1591
12th generation
Official website: www.durtnell.co.uk 
24. J.P. Epping of Pippsvadr
Grocers
Based in Germany
Founded in 1595   
25. Eduard Meier
Shoes Based in Munich, Germany
Founded in 1596
13th generation
Official website: www.edmeier.de
26. Toraya
Confectioners Based in Tokyo, Japan
Founded in pre-1600
17th generation
Official website: www.toraya-group.co.jp
27. Tissiman & Sons Ltd.
Tailors and outfitters Based in Bishop’s Stortford, United Kingdom
Founded in 1601
Official website: www.tissimans.co.uk
28. Enshu Sado School
Ceremonial tea school Based in Tokyo, Japan
Founded in 1602
13th generation
Official website: www.enshuryu.com   
29. Takenaka
Construction Based in Osaka, Japan
Founded in 1610
Official website: www.takenaka.co.jp
30. Mellerio dits Meller
Jewelry Based in Paris, France
Founded in 1613
15th generation
Official website: www.mellerio.fr   
31. Cartiera Mantovana Corp.
Paper Based in Mantua, Italy
Founded in 1615
Official website: www.cartieramantovana.it 
32. Zildjian Cymbal Co.
Cymbals Based in Norwell, Mass.
Founded in 1623
14th generation
Official website: www.zildjian.com
33. Kikkoman
Soy sauce Based in Noda, Japan
Founded in 1630
Official website: www.kikkoman.com
34. Sumitomo Corp.
Conglomerate Based in Tokyo, Japan
Founded in 1630
Official website: www.sumitomocorp.co.jp
35. Akerblads
Hotel Based in Tallberg, Sweden
Founded in 1630
21st generation
Official website: www.akerblads-tallberg.se 
36. Tuttle Farm
Agriculture Based in Dover, N.H.
Founded in 1635-38?
11th generation   
37. Gekkeikan
Sake Based in Fushimi, Japan
Founded in 1637
13th generation
Official website: www.gekkeikan.co.jp
38. Shirley Plantation
Historical site Based in Charles City, Va.
Founded in 1638
11th generation
Official website: www.shirleyplantation.com
39. Hugel et Fils
Wine Based in Riquewihr, France
Founded in 1639
12th generation
Official website: www.hugel.com 
40. James Lock & Co.
Hatters Based in London, United Kingdom
Founded in 1642
Official website: www.lockhatters.co.uk 
41. Barker’s Farm
Dairy and apples Based in North Andover, Mass.
Founded in 1642
11th generation
42. G.C. Fox & Co.
Shipping agent Based in Falmouth, United Kingdom
Founded in 1646
43. R.H. Levey & Son
Funeral services
Stansted Mountfitchet, United Kingdom
Founded in 1649
44. William Adams & Sons
Potters Based in Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
Founded in 1650
12th generation
Official website: www.thepotteries.org/potters/adams.htm
45. Ulefos Jernvaerk
Metals, milling, forestry Based in Telemark, Norway
Founded in 1657
46. Van Eeghen
Trading company Based in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Founded in 1662
14th generation
Official website: www.vaneeghen.com
47. Schwarze & Schlichte
Distillery Based in Oelde, Germany
Founded in 1664
12th generation
Official website: www.schwarze-schlichte.de 
48. The Seaside Inn and Cottages
Innkeeping Based in Kennebunkport, Maine
Founded in 1667
12th generation
Mason family
Official website: www.kennebunkbeach.com
49. Early’s of Witney
Blankets Based in Witney, United Kingdom
Founded in 1669
50. C. Hoare & Co.
Banking Based in London, United Kingdom
Founded in 1672
11th generation
Official website: www.hoaresbank.co.uk
51. Firmin & Sons Ltd.
Uniforms and insignia Based in Birmingham, United Kingdom
Founded in 1677
Official website: www.firmin.co.uk
52. Viellard Migeon & Cie.
Iron making Based in Forges de Morvillars, France
Founded in 1679
Official website: www.vmchooks.com
53. Miller Farm
Agriculture, timber Based in Frederica, Del.
Founded in 1684 
54. Gradis Corp.
Wine trading Based in Bordeaux, France
Founded in 1685 
55. Toye, Kenning & Spencer
Weavers Based in London, United Kingdom
Founded in 1685
Official website: www.toye.com
56. Yamamotoyama
Tea Based in Japan
Founded in 1690
Official website: www.yamamotoyama.com 
57. Delamare et Cie.
Packaging materials Based in Criquebeuf-sur-Seine, France
Founded in 1690
Official website: www.henokiens.com/index_delamare_fr.php 
58. Nolet Distillery (Ketel One Vodka)
Distillery Based in Schiedam, Netherlands
Founded in 1691
Tenth generation
Official website: www.ketelone.com 
59. Folkes Group
Real estate and engineering Based in Lye, United Kingdom
Founded in 1697
Seventh generation
Official website: www.folkesholdings.com 
60. Berry Brothers & Rudd Ltd.
Wine merchants Based in London, United Kingdom
Founded in 1698
Official website: www.bbr.com 
61. Shepherd Neame
Brewer Based in Faversham, United Kingdom
Founded in 1698
Fifth generation
Official website: www.shepherd-neame.co.uk
62. Allandale Farm
Fruit, produce, flowers Based in Brookline, Mass.
Founded in 1700?
Official website: www.allandalefarm.com
63. Farina Gegenüber
Fragrances
Based in Cologne, Germany
Founded in 1709 
Eighth generation
Official website: www.farina1709.com
64. William Dalton & Sons
Pest control
Based in United Kingdom
Founded in 1710
65. Cooke Farm
Farm Based in Wallingford, Conn.
Founded in 1720?
10^th generation 
66. Nourse Family Farm
Agriculture Based in Westborough, Mass.
Founded in 1722
Official website: www.noursefarm.com
67. Tissages Denantes
Cloth
Based in Grenoble, France
Founded in 1723
68. Amarelli Fabbrica de Liquirizia
Licorice Based in Rossano Scalo, Italy
Founded in 1731
Official website: eng.liquirizia.it 
69. Fratelli Piacenza Corp.
Woolens Based in Pollone, Italy
Founded in 1733
11th generation
Official website: www.piacenza1733.it
70. Taittinger Champagne
Champagne Based in Reims, France
Founded in 1734
Official website: www.taittinger.com 
71. William Clark & Sons
Linen Based in Upperlands, Northern Ireland, U.K.
Founded in 1739
9^th generation
Official website: www.wmclark.co.uk 
72. Lyman Orchards
Agriculture Based in Middlefield, Conn.
Founded in 1741
Eighth generation
Official website: www.lymanorchards.com 
73. John Whitley Farm
Agriculture Based in Williamston, N.C.
Founded in 1742
Eighth generation 
74. Boplaas
Agriculture, orchards Based in Koue Bokkeveld, Cape Town, South Africa
Founded in 1743
Ninth generation 
75. Aubanel Publishing Co.
Publishing Based in Avignon, France
Founded in 1744 
76. Fonderia Daciano Colbachini & Figli
Bell maker Based in Padua, Italy
Founded in 1745
Official website: www.henokiens.com/index_colbachini_gb.php 
77. J.D. Neuhaus Hebezeuge
Hoist manufacturers Based in Witten-Heven, Germany
Founded in 1745
7th generation 
78. Villeroy & Boch
Housewares Based in Mettlach, Germany
Founded in 1748
Official website: www.villeroy-boch.com 
79. Zenith Pipe Company
Tobacco pipes Based in Gouda, Netherlands
Founded in 1749
8^th generation 
80. Parlange Plantation
Farm Based in New Roads, La.
Founded in 1750
Official website: www.pcchamber.org/parlange.htm 
81. Marie Brizard & Roger International
Distiller Based in Bordeaux, France
Founded in 1755
Eighth generation
Official website: www.marie-brizard.com 
82. Joseph Drouhin
Wine Based in Beaune, France
Founded in 1756
Official website: www.drouhin.com 
83. Franz Haniel
Conglomerate Based in Duisburg, Germany
Founded in 1756
Official website: www.haniel.de 
84. Riedel Glas GmbH
Glassmaking Based in Kufstein, Austria
Founded in 1756
11th generation
Official website: www.riedelcrystal.com 
85. Lanificio Conte S.p.A.
Woolens Based in Schio, Italy
Founded in 1757
Official website: www.henokiens.com/index_lanificio_gb.php 
86. Jose Cuervo
Tequila Based in Tequila, Mexico
Founded in 1758
Official website: www.cuervo.com 
87. Waterford Wedgwood
Crystal, china, & cookware Based in Dublin, Ireland
Founded in 1759
Official website: www.waterfordwedgwood.com 
88. Creed Perfume
Perfumes Based in Paris, France
Founded in 1760
7^th generation
Official website: www.parfumsraffy.com 
89. Griset
Foundry Based in Villers-St. Paul, France
Founded in 1760
Official website: www.griset.com
90. Faber-Castell
Writing instruments Based in Stein, Germany
Founded in 1761
8^th generation
Official website: www.faber-castell.com 
91. Moller Group
Metal products Based in Bielefeld, Germany
Founded in 1762
7^th generation
Official website: www.henokiens.com/index_moller_gb.php 
92. Bachman Funeral Home
Funerals Based in Strasburg, Pa.
Founded in 1769
Eighth generation
Official website: www.bachmanfuneral.com 
93. Silca
Keys & key cutting machines Based in Vittorio Veneto, Italy
Founded in 1770
5^th generation
Official website: www.silca.it 
94. Osborne y Compania
Brandy and sherry Based in Cadiz, Spain
Founded in 1772
6^th generation 
95. Editions Henry Lemoine
Music publishing Based in Paris, France
Founded in 1772
Official website: www.editions-lemoine.fr 
96. Stuart Land Co. of Virginia
Cattle Based in Rosedale, Va.
Founded in 1774
8^th generation 
97. JB Fernandes & Sons
Tools & ironwares Based in Lisbon, Portugal
Founded in 1778
6^th generation
Official website: www.redcube.org/JBF 
98. St. John Milling Co.
Milling, farm products Based in Watauga, Tenn.
Founded in 1778
6^th generation 
99. Ditta Bortolo Nardini
Distillery Based in Bassano del Grappa, Italy
Founded in 1779
Official website: www.nardini.it 
100. Laird & Co.
Brandy Distiller Based in Scobeyville, N.J.
Founded in 1780
Official website: www.lairdandcompany.com