Throughout history, certain companies have stood the test of time, weathering wars, economic collapses, and societal shifts. These institutions not only reflect the resilience of business but also tell stories about the cultures and economies that nurtured them.
Each continent is home to a company that has operated for hundreds, and in some cases, over a thousand years. Here’s a look at the oldest known companies still in operation on every continent.
Asia, Kongō Gumi (Japan)
Founded in 578 AD, Kongō Gumi is recognized as the oldest continuously operating company in the world.
This Japanese construction firm was established by a skilled carpenter named Shigemitsu Kongō, who was invited to Japan from Baekje (an ancient Korean kingdom) by Prince Shōtoku to build Buddhist temples.
Based in Osaka, the company specialized in temple construction and became a central figure in preserving traditional Japanese architecture. Over the centuries, Kongō Gumi was passed down through over 40 generations, maintaining its family-run status for more than 1,400 years.
Though it was absorbed into the Takamatsu Construction Group in 2006 due to financial difficulties, it still operates under its historic name and continues to contribute to temple and shrine projects across Japan.
Europe, St. Peter Stiftskulinarium (Austria)
Located in Salzburg, Austria, St. Peter Stiftskulinarium claims to be the oldest restaurant in Europe and is believed to have been established in 803 AD. Nestled within the walls of St. Peter’s Abbey, the restaurant has served guests for more than 1,200 years.
The establishment was first mentioned in a document by the scholar Alcuin of York, a follower of Charlemagne. Over the centuries, it has hosted emperors, kings, and artists, including the likes of Mozart.
What makes St. Peter Stiftskulinarium especially remarkable is its uninterrupted operation through numerous empires, wars, and regime changes. The restaurant continues to offer traditional Austrian cuisine in a setting that evokes centuries of European history.
Africa, The Pontac Estate (South Africa)
Africa’s oldest known business is the Pontac Estate, a wine estate founded in 1685 in the Cape Winelands of South Africa.
Situated in what is now known as the Constantia wine region near Cape Town, it was originally established by Simon van der Stel, the first Governor of the Cape Colony.
Though the name “Pontac” is less widely used today, the estate evolved into what is now Groot Constantia, making it the oldest wine-producing estate on the African continent.
The winery played a significant role in introducing European viticulture to southern Africa and has remained active through colonial eras, apartheid, and into the democratic present. Groot Constantia continues to produce award-winning wines, keeping centuries-old traditions alive.
North America, La Casa de Moneda de México (Mexico)
Founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistadors under the orders of King Charles I of Spain, La Casa de Moneda de México is the oldest mint in the Americas.
Located in Mexico City, it was established to produce coins for the Spanish Empire using silver extracted from the rich Mexican mines.
The mint produced the famous “pieces of eight,” which became a dominant currency in global trade during the colonial period. Though coin production has since moved to other facilities, the institution itself continues to function as the official mint of Mexico.
It produces coins, medals, and collectible items, blending modern techniques with nearly 500 years of tradition. The original mint building now houses the Museo Nacional de las Culturas.
South America, Bodega Tacama (Peru)
In the Ica Valley of Peru lies Bodega Tacama, South America’s oldest vineyard and winery, established in 1540. Shortly after the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, Catholic missionaries began cultivating grapes for wine, essential for religious ceremonies.
The fertile soil and favorable climate of the Ica region made it ideal for viticulture. Over the centuries, Tacama expanded and modernized, adopting new wine-making techniques while preserving its colonial heritage.
Today, Tacama continues to produce a variety of wines and piscos, offering a fusion of European tradition and Andean terroir. It is not only a historic enterprise but also a cornerstone of Peru’s wine industry.
Australia, Cascade Brewery
Cascade Brewery, established in 1824, is Australia’s oldest continually operating brewery. Located in Hobart, Tasmania, it was founded by Peter Degraves, a British settler and entrepreneur.
Originally involved in a range of manufacturing activities, Degraves soon focused on brewing beer using the pure mountain water from Mount Wellington.
Cascade has survived fires, economic downturns, and two world wars, maintaining its reputation as one of Australia's most iconic brewers.
The original Gothic-style building still stands and remains operational, producing a range of beers that are distributed nationwide. It is both a tourist attraction and a symbol of Australian brewing history.
