The Oldest Companies

Undoubtedly family business represents the most lasting type of business.

This list of the oldest companies includes brands and companies, excluding associations, educational, government or religious organizations.

To be listed, a brand or company name must remain, either in whole or in part, since inception.

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Pontificia Fonderia Marinelli
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). Read more
Barone Ricasoli
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.Read more
Barovier & Toso
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.Read more
Torrini
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 FlorRead more
Antinori
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 19th generation. Read more
Camuffo
Over five centuries of shipbuilding industry, handed down from father to son for eighteen generations: these are the master shipwrights Camuffo, who claim to lead the oldest shipyard in the world.Read more
Le ceramiche di Grazia Deruda
Since 1500, the Grazia family has been committed to producing the highest quality majolica ceramics using time honoured handcraft traditions passed down from generation to generation. Read more
Fabbrica d'armi Piero Beretta
Almost 500 years of working activity have enriched Beretta with enormous experience and knowledge in precision mechanics in the field of portable firearms. Beretta production (about 1,500 pieces a day) covers almost the whole range of portable firearms.Read more