Industry news

Farina Gegenuber and Creed make Family Business Magazine's list of world's oldest family companies

by Grant Osborne, 03 October 2008

Family Business Magazine have announced their list of one hundred of the world's oldest family businesses. Two fragrance companies make the list: Farina Gegenuber, founded in 1709, and Creed, founded in 1760.

Farina Gegenuber was founded by Johann Maria Farina (right) in 1709 and the Cologne-based company is credited with the invention of the Eau de Cologne. The company is still run today by his descendants.

Creed was founded by James Henry Creed (left) in 1760, who opened a fine goods store in London. The store sold fine clothing, fragrances and leather goods. Creed was commissioned by King George III to make some leather gloves. As was tradition in the 18th century, the gloves were perfumed. The King liked the scent so much that he commissioned Creed to make him a fragrance - Royal English Leather was born.