Around the world, countless small, local brands proudly trace their origins back decades, or even centuries. Many of these brands have rich histories and have become beloved community staples, each with its own story of endurance and local influence. According to their claims, there are many “oldest brands in the world,” each asserting its own legacy. These brands reflect a time when branding was more about trust, quality, and personal reputation than mass appeal or global recognition.
For this article, however, we’re taking a different approach. Instead of exploring regional legacies, we’ll focus on brands that embody the modern concept of branding as a mass cultural icon. These are the names that have transcended borders, reaching audiences worldwide while remaining vibrant and relevant. We’ll examine brands that aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving and shaping markets and cultural conversations on a global scale.
We’ll start with the fifth oldest brand and work our way up to the oldest, examining the fascinating histories, clever strategies, and distinctive qualities that have allowed these brands to endure for centuries while remaining relevant and influential in the modern world.
5. Shell Oil Company (founded 1904):
Shell Oil Company has become synonymous with energy and innovation. It has established itself as a global leader in oil, gas, and sustainable energy solutions. From its earliest days, Shell has distinguished itself through bold expansion and a recognizable visual identity, including the iconic Shell logo. Over the past century, the brand has built trust and recognition virtually everywhere, adapting to changing technologies and shifting markets.
The Shell logo is deceptively simple yet deeply meaningful. Its bold, geometric shape—a stylized scallop shell—is instantly recognizable and symbolizes reliability and resilience. The bright red and yellow color palette evokes warmth and energy, and the clean, minimalist design ensures legibility across scales and mediums. The logo is more than just a symbol; it represents the promise of consistent performance and global reach.
Beyond its business achievements, Shell’s story exemplifies the power of branding in shaping perception. The company’s emblem is instantly recognizable, symbolizing reliability and global reach. Through decades of advertising campaigns, sponsorships, and product innovations, Shell has shown that a strong brand is more than a logo—it’s a promise of quality and consistency, establishing it as a mainstay of modern commerce.
4. Twinings (Founded 1887)
With a history stretching over three centuries, Twinings represents the elegance and ritual of tea drinking. Its distinctive black-and-gold tea boxes have made Twinings a household name around the world. The brand has thrived by blending tradition with quality to create a sense of sophistication and timelessness that few beverage brands can match.
This logo is a masterclass in classic typographic elegance. The serif font conveys a sense of heritage and refinement, and the gold lettering against a dark background makes this luxury brand creation an icon of sophistication. The simple composition allows the brand name to take center stage, reflecting the company’s confidence in its long-standing reputation. This restrained yet sophisticated design mirrors the experience of enjoying a fine cup of tea: calming, deliberate, and refined.
Twinings has maintained its classic look and reputation while introducing new flavors and blends that appeal to modern palates. This delicate balance between heritage and innovation ensures the brand continues to capture the imagination of longtime fans and new generations.
3. Levi Strauss & Co (Founded 1886)
Levi Strauss & Co. transformed fashion by creating the blue jean, turning a utilitarian work garment into a global cultural icon. The brand’s longevity is rooted in its ability to combine functionality, style, and storytelling to create garments that transcend generations. Levi’s isn’t just clothing; it’s a symbol of individuality, freedom, and authenticity.
The Levi’s logo, particularly the red tab and “batwing” shape, conveys strength and reliability. The bold, blocky typography exudes confidence, and the simplicity of the design ensures immediate recognition. The logo’s composition reinforces the brand’s promise of durability and authenticity. It mirrors the rugged craftsmanship of the jeans, creating an iconic and enduring visual identity.
Over time, the company has adapted to changing tastes and fashion trends while staying true to its core identity. Its logo, rivets, and signature stitching have become globally recognized symbols that trascend branding. Through its consistent reinforcement of values such as craftsmanship and durability, Levi Strauss & Co. has achieved a rare feat: remaining culturally relevant for well over a century while staying true to its origins.
2. Bass Ale Beer (Founded 1876)
Bass Ale Beer’s red triangle logo, registered in 1876, was the first trademark recognized in the UK. This made Bass a pioneer in branding. The beer’s reputation is built on consistency, quality, and a distinctive visual identity. You know you can enjoy a quality beer wherever you see the famous red brand color.
The red triangle logo is striking in its simplicity and symbolism. Its bold triangular shape conveys strength, stability, and reliability, and its vivid red color ensures it won’t be overlooked on a crowded shelf. The minimalist design ensures the logo’s clarity and longevity, making the brand instantly recognizable. This geometric emblem reflects Bass Ale’s pioneering spirit, signaling tradition and authority in the beer market.
The story of Bass Ale illustrates how a brand can become a cultural touchstone. From Victorian England to modern pub culture, the red triangle has stood as a symbol of reliability and excellence. Through clever marketing and a commitment to quality, Bass shows that strong visual branding can transform a product into an enduring icon despite changing tastes and trends.
1. Stella Artois Beer (Founded 1366)
Stella Artois embodies longevity in both its product and its brand. Starting as a Belgian brewery in 1366, it evolved into a globally recognized symbol of premium beer. Its signature chalice glass, elegant packaging, and refined taste have helped it maintain a sophisticated image for centuries, appealing to consumers worldwide.
Its intricate typography, decorative framing, and gold accents convey a sense of heritage, craftsmanship, and premium quality. The design strikes a balance between detail and clarity, resulting in an emblem that feels both historic and contemporary. Each element—the star, the laurels, and the scripted text—tells a story of tradition, refinement, and excellence, reflecting the brand’s long-standing reputation perfectly.
The brand’s enduring success lies in its ability to blend tradition with modernity. While honoring its roots and centuries-old brewing techniques, Stella Artois has also embraced global marketing and innovation to ensure that it continues to resonate with contemporary audiences. Stella Artois’s story demonstrates that a brand can remain relevant for hundreds of years by staying true to its essence while adapting to the world around it.
These brands are living proof that a strong identity cannot be diminished by time. They have each faced the challenges of changing markets, evolving consumer tastes, and technological upheavals, yet their legacies endure. They remind us that branding history is about more than logos and products; it’s about trust, storytelling, and emotional connection. These brands, ranging from centuries-old breweries to iconic fashion labels and global energy leaders, teach us that when a company embodies its values authentically, it can transcend generations and leave a mark on the world that is truly timeless.