The World’s Oldest Brands – 10 Businesses That Have Survived for Centuries

Ever wondered why some shoppers swear by big-name brands? There’s something oddly comforting about grabbing a product with a legendary logo—like sipping Coca-Cola or wearing Levi’s jeans. It’s not just hype; century-old brands often carry a hidden badge of trust. Think about it: if a company’s survived wars, trends, and countless competitors, they’re probably doing something right. (Even if their secret is just really good marketing.)

But here’s the fun part—some of these ancient brands are still around today, hiding in plain sight. We’re talking about companies older than your great-grandma’s recipe book, yet still kicking on supermarket shelves. Want examples? Imagine drinking beer from a monastery brewery founded in 1040 (yes, really), or writing with a pencil brand that outlived the Renaissance.

Why does this matter? Because behind every time-tested logo is a wild story of survival—like a business version of Game of Thrones, but with fewer dragons and more iconic packaging. Ready to meet the world’s oldest brands that somehow avoided becoming history themselves? Let’s dive in.

10. The First Cereal Tied to a TV Show: The Story of Fruity Pebbles

In the world of marketing, someone once had a stroke of genius—what if a product could ride the popularity wave of a beloved TV show? The idea was simple but powerful: fans who loved a show might also love products based on it. This strategy worked wonders for toys, clothing, and even food. And thus, Fruity Pebbles, the first-ever cereal inspired by a television series, was born.

Launched in 1971, Fruity Pebbles was directly linked to the iconic animated show The Flintstones, which had already wrapped up its original TV run in 1966. Even if you’ve never tried them, you’ve probably seen their unmistakable, rainbow-colored flakes. These sugary, fruit-flavored bits have captivated taste buds for generations, all while featuring Fred Flintstone, Barney Rubble, and the rest of Bedrock’s residents on the box.

Curiously, the cereal takes its name from Pebbles Flintstone, the daughter of Fred and Wilma. When you really think about it, eating something named after a character’s kid is a little strange—like, are we just munching on dried, crunchy bits of Pebbles? Probably best not to dwell on that thought for too long.

Despite the show being off the air for decades, Fruity Pebbles remains incredibly popular. According to Post Consumer Brands, the company behind the cereal, around 1.4 billion bowls are eaten every year. That’s proof that good branding, nostalgia, and a hefty dose of sugar can keep a product thriving for over half a century.

9. Buick: America’s Oldest Surviving Car Brand

Car brands have a way of disappearing over time. Once-iconic names like Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and DeLorean have faded into history, leaving only memories and vintage collectors to keep their legacies alive. But a few names have stood the test of time, proving that longevity in the auto industry isn’t just about making cars—it’s about adapting, innovating, and evolving.

Most people know that Ford and Chevrolet have been around for ages. Chevy was founded in 1911, and Ford, a brand practically synonymous with American automobiles, dates back to June 1903. But if you’re looking for the oldest continuously operating American car company, the title belongs to Buick, which beat Ford by just a hair—founded in May 1903.

Buick’s history isn’t just about being first; it played a pivotal role in shaping the modern automobile industry. In fact, Buick was the company that ultimately led to the creation of General Motors (GM)—one of the biggest names in the global auto market today.

Of course, if you’re after something even older than Buick, you’ll need to set your sights on Europe. The world’s longest-running car manufacturer is Peugeot, which was already making automobiles in the 1890s, proving that car innovation has deep roots on both sides of the Atlantic.

8. Here’s a Sweet Slice of History: The World’s Oldest Chocolate Bar Still on Shelves

Got a sweet tooth? If you love classic treats with a side of nostalgia, you’ll want to hear about Fry’s Chocolate Cream—the oldest chocolate bar still up for grabs today. Forget modern flashy wrappers and over-the-top flavors; this one’s a delicious relic from 1866, when Joseph Fry first whipped it up.

Now, here’s the twist: Fry’s as a company started way back in 1728 (yes, before the American Revolution!), but it shut down in 2011. Don’t worry, though—Cadbury swooped in to keep the legacy alive. You might know their famous Creme Eggs, but the real hidden gem is that original chocolate cream bar, still selling strong. Imagine smooth, creamy fondant wrapped in rich chocolate—simple, old-school, and oddly satisfying.

What’s wild is how this bar outlasted giants like Hershey’s and Nestlé. No fancy marketing, no gimmicks—just a centuries-old recipe that somehow still hits the spot. If you ever stumble across one, take a bite. You’re not just tasting chocolate; you’re chewing on edible history.

Craving more vintage sweets? Check out how Cadbury preserves other classics, or dive into the weird world of antique candies that refuse to fade away. Some flavors just never get old!

7. Vernors: The Oldest Soft Drink Brand Still Around Today

The soft drink industry is massive—worth over $400 billion in 2021 and still growing. That’s a staggering amount, considering most people agree that soda isn’t exactly great for your health. But hey, if you think that’s a lot, keep in mind that the alcohol market is well over $1 trillion, and that doesn’t even include drinks served at bars and restaurants. Suddenly, soda sales don’t seem all that shocking.

When it comes to long-standing soda brands, names like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Dr Pepper probably come to mind. All of them date back to the 1800s, with Dr Pepper leading the pack—first introduced in 1885. But despite its early start, Dr Pepper is not the oldest soda still on the market. That title belongs to Vernors Ginger Ale, which has a history stretching back even further.

Vernors was first created in Detroit in 1866 by James Vernor, a pharmacist—because, for some reason, pharmacists in the 19th century spent a lot of time making fizzy, flavorful drinks instead of medicine. Back then, soft drinks were often marketed as medicinal tonics, promising all kinds of health benefits. Of course, whether they actually worked is up for debate. Let’s just say medical science was in a very different place back then.

If you enjoy a bit of controversy, you’ll love this: there’s some debate about Vernors’ true founding year. Some sources suggest it may have actually been created in 1880, which would still make it the oldest soda but might shift the timeline a bit. Another wrinkle? The formula has reportedly changed over the years, meaning the Vernors you drink today might not be exactly what James Vernor originally created. So, does that still count as the oldest soda, or just a brand with a really long history? That’s for the soda purists to decide.

6. Good & Plenty: The Oldest Candy Still on the Market

When it comes to classic candy, most people think of chocolate bars like Hershey’s, Snickers, or Kit-Kat. But if you’re talking about the oldest non-chocolate candy still available today, that honor belongs to Good & Plenty. These tiny, pink-and-white candy-coated black licorice pieces have been around since 1893, making them the longest-running candy brand in the United States.

Here’s where it gets interesting—despite its historical significance, Good & Plenty is flavored with black licorice, a taste that’s, well… not exactly a crowd favorite. In fact, black licorice is often ranked among the most polarizing flavors in the candy world. There are even news articles dedicated to how much people dislike it—something you don’t see with, say, chocolate or fruit-flavored sweets.

But love it or hate it, Good & Plenty has managed to stick around for well over a century, proving that nostalgia, tradition, and a dedicated fan base can keep even the most controversial flavors alive. If you’re curious to learn more about other classic candies, check out this list of the oldest sweets still being sold today.

5. Beretta: The Gunmaker with Nearly 500 Years of History

The firearms industry is massive, with over 663 companies manufacturing guns and ammunition in the United States alone. Some of these companies have been around for a long time—a few for over a century—but none can compete with the sheer history of Beretta, the oldest active gun manufacturer in the world.

Founded in 1526 in Italy, Beretta has been crafting firearms for nearly five centuries. This family-owned business has passed from generation to generation, keeping the Beretta name alive while continually evolving its weapons technology. Throughout history, Beretta guns have been used in major wars and conflicts, even arming Napoleon’s forces during his military campaigns.

Think about it: how many historical figures—soldiers, generals, revolutionaries—have either fired or been fired upon by a Beretta-made firearm? The company’s legacy isn’t just about making weapons; it’s about being deeply woven into the fabric of global military history.

4. The 400-Year-Old Secret Behind the World’s Best Cymbals

Ever notice that fancy “Zildjian” script on a drummer’s cymbals? Here’s the wild part: they’ve been making them since 1623—yes, before Shakespeare even died. Most of us never think about cymbals, but this company’s story is stranger than fiction.

Back in 1618, an alchemist named Avedis Zildjian wasn’t trying to invent musical gear—he was chasing gold, like every other medieval mad scientist. But alchemy being alchemy, he failed spectacularly… and accidentally created the perfect cymbal alloy instead. Talk about a happy accident!

The exact recipe? Still a tightly guarded secret—just copper, tin, and silver mixed in some magical way. (Think Coca-Cola’s formula, but for drummers.) Competitors have tried copying it for centuries, but nobody nails that legendary Zildjian shimmer.

What’s crazier? While most 17th-century businesses crumbled to dust, Zildjian’s cymbals survived wars, revolutions, and even the rise of electric drums. Today, they’re the oldest family-run company in the music world, trusted by everyone from jazz legends to rock gods.

Next time you see a drummer smash a crash cymbal, remember: that sound? Four hundred years of alchemy, luck, and pure metallic magic. Want more weird history? Check out how Stradivarius violins or Fender guitars became legends—some inventions just refuse to fade away.

3. White Castle: The Oldest Fast-Food Burger Chain in America

Fast food is everywhere. With over 536,000 fast-food restaurants worldwide and a market value nearing $650 billion, the industry is a giant machine, churning out burgers, fries, and fried chicken at lightning speed. But where did it all begin? Who first had the idea of making burgers assembly-line style?

The answer: White Castle.

Founded in 1921, White Castle is the first fast-food burger chain in America, serving up its signature 5-cent hamburgers long before McDonald’s (1940), KFC (1952), or Burger King (1954) ever existed. Even A&W, which was established in 1919, wasn’t a full restaurant until 1923—it started as a simple root beer stand.

If you ever want to taste a piece of fast-food history, skip the golden arches and head to a White Castle. After all, this little burger joint laid the foundation for the global fast-food empire we know today.

2. This Ancient Roman Cheese Has Survived Over 2,000 Years – And It’s Still Made Today

Think cheddar is old? Meet Conciato Romano – possibly the oldest cheese in the world still in production. While Wisconsin boasts 1,800+ cheese varieties, this Italian relic has been around since the 4th century BC, when Roman emperors and Samnite shepherds likely snacked on it.

Back then, cheese was salty, briny, and wildly different from today’s creamy blocks. But Conciato Romano? It’s the ultimate survivor. Made from goat or sheep’s milk, it undergoes a bizarre, labor-intensive ritual: washed in special dough-cooked water, then aged in beechwood buildings like fine wine. The result? A pungent, hard cheese that’ll cost you €60 for just 200 grams—because time travel isn’t cheap.

Why bother? Well, imagine tasting the same flavors Julius Caesar might’ve enjoyed. It’s not your everyday mozzarella, but for food historians and adventurous eaters, it’s a deliciously weird bite of history.

Want more ancient eats? Compare it to Egyptian bread or Persian ice cream—some recipes just refuse to die. Conciato Romano proves: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it… even after 2,400 years.

1. Weihenstephan: The 1,000-Year-Old Brewery That Defies Time

When it comes to brewing beer, age isn’t just a number—it’s a badge of honor. Breweries and distilleries love to boast about their long-standing traditions, but few can truly claim to have centuries of experience. And then there’s Weihenstephan, which doesn’t just beat the competition in age—it annihilates it.

This Bavarian brewery is so old that calling it “historic” feels like an understatement. It was founded in 1040—yes, over 1,000 years ago—back when monks were the original brewmasters, crafting beer in Benedictine monasteries as part of their daily lives. While many ancient businesses have faded into history, Weihenstephan has continued brewing without interruption for a millennium.

Think about that: for a thousand years, they’ve been refining their techniques, crafting new flavors, and perfecting their legendary beer. If experience truly makes a difference in brewing, Weihenstephan should be in a league of its own. Want to explore more about the world’s oldest breweries?