Quiz: Do you know the country these companies are from?

Elisabetta Villa // Getty Images for Campari

Quiz: Do you know the country these companies are from?

Over the past few days, chances are you purchased something that was produced abroad. Did you watch the Super Bowl with a refreshing Aperol Spritz? That cocktail originated in the Mediterranean. If you saw the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the San Francisco 49ers on a Sony or Panasonic television, that screen was produced in Asia. And if you’re rewatching your favorite Super Bowl commercials on a Lenovo, that computer was produced by a company that eventually took over one of the largest computer manufacturers in the world.

Many of the products we use daily at home, work, or at school are from companies based overseas. Stacker compiled a list of companies and where they are headquartered using various sources—company histories, newspaper articles, and stock market information—and put them into a quiz format, in which the "clue" slide is the company and the "answer" slide is the country. Many of these publicly traded companies grew from small local shops with only say $25,000 in capital to multinational conglomerates worth multi-millions or even billions.

There are companies rich in mining or oil found on the list, whose names you might not recognize but whose products reach almost 200 countries. There are also household names like the producer of Super Mario, the preferred cosmetics of Viola Davis, and the car company whose name is taken after “the god of harmony, intelligence, and wisdom from the earliest civilization in West Asia.”

The influence of these companies extends beyond commerce, even occasionally playing a role in global issues. For example, the NBA’s media provider in China recently was caught in the middle of a controversy over free speech and government criticism. With great power comes great responsibility, and once a company becomes an international power player, the stakes are raised. Click through to find the impact and location of origin for some of the world’s biggest companies.

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Håkan Dahlström // Flickr

Clue: Sony

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Answer: Japan

Months after Japan surrendered to end World War II, a little company named Sony was founded with about 20 workers. Over the next seven decades, Sony morphed into an electronics giant and helped boost Japan’s economy. Today, one of Sony’s biggest sellers are PlayStation video game consoles, with a fifth-generation model due in 2020.

defotoberg // Shutterstock

Clue: Aldi

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Alejandro // Flickr

Answer: Germany

Aldi is popular throughout Europe, but even if you’ve never shopped at one in the U.S., you may have stopped into one of Aldi’s grocery store cousins. Trader Joe’s, like Aldi, is owned by the Albrecht family. The Albrecht family purchased Trader Joe’s in 1979.

-Majestic- // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: Nokia

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Answer: Finland

Nokia is known for its cellular phones, but the Finnish company began as a paper mill. Nokia, now a publicly-traded company, has also produced tires, rubber boots, and other products. Although American football isn’t all that popular in Finland, Nokia sponsored the Sugar Bowl for more than 10 years.

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Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: Huawei

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Answer: China

Chinese tech company Huawei was founded in 1987 by a former officer of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, according to NPR. Meng Wanzhou, Huawei’s chief financial officer, is embroiled in a U.S. extradition case because of alleged fraud.

Alpha // Flickr

Clue: BHP

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Answer: Australia

BHP’s roots trace back to a small tin mine in 1851. BHP expanded to the Gulf of Mexico 166 years later, further cementing its role as a world leader in mining and petroleum. Currently, BHP is facing a probe over coal safety.

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Oskar Alexanderson // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: Samsung Electronics

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Answer: South Korea

Founded in 1938, Samsung, a name synonymous with electronics, once exported dried fish. Today, Samsung is recognizable by its Galaxy phones, and as a sponsor for the Olympics and Juventus Football Club.

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Clue: Gazprom

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Answer: Russia

As the Cold War drew to a close, the U.S.S.R. Gas Industry Ministry became Gazprom. Currently, Gazprom is leading the construction of a pipeline project under the Baltic Sea. Gazprom has come under scrutiny for its monopoly-like control over European gas markets.

Rico Shen // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: Michelin

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Answer: France

Michelin was founded in 1889, and for over 120 years, has been one of the most popular brands in the tire industry. At the turn of the 20th century, Michelin began publishing guides for travelers; today, being a Michelin-rated restaurant is one of the highest honors an establishment can receive.

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Clue: Fiverr

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Answer: Israel

Fiverr is an online marketplace for freelancers. Founded in 2010, Fiverr is one of many companies getting in on the emerging gig economy. Fiverr is based in Tel Aviv, which has become an international hub for tech startups.

Mauro Pimentel // AFP via Getty Images

Clue: Vale

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Answer: Brazil

Vale claims to be the world’s largest iron ore and nickel producer. However, last year the company became embroiled in controversy when one of its dams collapsed and killed over 250 people.

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Pokarin // Wikipedia

Clue: Panasonic

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Answer: Japan

In 1917, Konosuke Matsushita produced his first sockets and installation fans in Osaka. One century later, Matsushita’s Panasonic is one of the most revered names in electronics. Matsushita’s brother-in-law, Toshio lue, with whom he made those first sockets, later founded Sanyo Electric.

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Clue: Jarritos

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Answer: Mexico

Jarritos, the familiar colorful soft drinks that go down well with tacos and burritos, was first made in 1950. Fans of Jarritos should be happy to know that soon the sugary soft drinks will be more widely available, as 7-Eleven will offer flavors in fountain machines.

Zummy // Wikipedia

Clue: Bayer

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Answer: Germany

In 1863, a pair of dye salespeople founded Bayer. Soon, Bayer workers expanded their range of chemicals and became a world leader in pharmaceutical sales. Recently, Bayer merged with agrochemical giant Monsanto.

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Daniele Venturelli/Daniele Venturelli // Getty Images

Clue: Armani

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Answer: Italy

Giorgio Armani’s iconic fashion brand launched in 1975. When Richard Gere sported Armani from head-to-toe in “American Gigolo,” Armani styles burst onto the American scene. With staying power among celebrities, Armani is reportedly worth over $1 billion.

Thebanerscave // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: Tata Motors

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Answer: India

Although Tata may not have the same recognition in the U.S. as Toyota, Volvo, or other international automakers, they have been in business as a public limited company since 1945. Tata has forged many notable relationships with other automakers; first Daimler-Benz, and then in 2008, Tata acquired Jaguar Land Rover.

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Danielinblue // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: Alibaba

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Answer: China

Twenty-one years ago, a former English teacher and 18 colleagues found Alibaba. One of those co-founders, Joseph Tsai, is now one of the company’s most public faces. In 2019, Tsai agreed to purchase the Brooklyn Nets for a reported $2.35 billion.

Yoshi Canopus // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: Fage

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Answer: Greece

In 1926, Fage began as a small, family-run dairy shop in Athens. Fage yogurts finally reached the U.S. in the 1990s, and they now operate a huge production facility in upstate New York.

Saba Dubai // Wikipedia

Clue: Dangote Group

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Answer: Nigeria

Dangote is one of Africa’s biggest conglomerates, producing cement, sugar, flour, petrochemicals, and many other products. Founder Aliko Dangote is reportedly Africa’s richest man, worth about $10 billion.

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Tiia Monto // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: H&M

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Answer: Sweden

Swedish textile mainstay H&M began selling clothing in 1947. By 2000, H&M reached the U.S. with a flagship store in Manhattan. Soon, Karl Lagerfeld and many other fashion icons began collaborating with the relatively affordable store.

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Clue: Jollibee

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Answer: Philippines

When Jollibee opened their first Manhattan location in 2018, lines were out the store waiting for fried chicken, spaghetti, and other company staples. Jollibee’s chicken joy is beloved by foodies (including the late Anthony Bourdain), as are the sides of gravy served with fries.

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Clue: Carlsberg Group

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Answer: Denmark

Founded in 1847 by J. C. Jacobsen, Carlsberg has been brewing beer for almost 175 years. Currently, Carlsberg reaches over 150 markets with brands in China and Ukraine.

Wittylama // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: Al Jazeera Media Network

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Answer: Qatar

In 2006, Al Jazeera, which is partly funded by the Qatari government, became a public utility, private corporation. Thus, the newly formed Al Jazeera Media Network was formed, and soon the network had 70 bureaus around the world. Al Jazeera has been criticized for broadcasting explicit images.

Dmitry Lysenko // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: Tencent

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Answer: China

Tencent was founded in 1998 and has grown into a worldwide leader in media and technology. One of Tencent’s more notable partnerships is with the NBA; however, earlier this year, Tencent briefly stopped broadcasting NBA content after Houston Rockets' general manager Daryl Morey tweeted his support for Hong Kong protesters.

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whatleydude // Flickr

Clue: Adidas

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Answer: Germany

Four years after World War II ended, German inventor Adi Dassler founded Adidas. Over the next 70 years, Adidas' three-stripe layout became one of the most iconic looks in athletic and urban fashion. David Beckham, James Harden, and Aaron Rodgers are among the athletes signed to Adidas sponsorship contracts.

xanday // Flickr

Clue: Nintendo

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Answer: Japan

Nintendo reached worldwide fame in the 1980s thanks to “Super Mario Bros.,” but the company was founded almost 100 years earlier. Nintendo first produced playing cards, but made their nut and then some with video games. Nintendo Switch software alone has sold over 300 million units.

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Leon // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: Vodafone

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Answer: United Kingdom

The name Vodafone was first announced to the media in 1984; within three years, it became the largest mobile network in the world. Today, Vodafone counts for almost 444 million customers in 26 countries. Because of Vodafone’s global reach, the company was criticized in 2013, when some customer access was blocked during the Arab Spring.

Port(u*o)s // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: Nestle

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Answer: Switzerland

In 1867, Henri Nestle developed a new infant formula that set his namesake company on its way. By 1904, Nestle was selling chocolate; today, the Nestle portfolio includes bottled water, ice cream, and pet care products. With a huge carbon imprint, Nestle announced plans in 2020 to reduce its plastic use.

Ethan Miller // Getty Images

Clue: LG Electronics

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Answer: South Korea

In 2018, LG scored a big coup when they signed BTS to an endorsement deal. Before K-pop, LG first entered the Korean market in 1947, selling cosmetics. Today, LG is best known for manufacturing electronics, with over $54 billion in global sales in 2018.

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SAM PANTHAKY // AFP via Getty Images

Clue: Reliance Industries

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Answer: India

Reliance manufactures fibers, textiles, petrochemicals, and many other products. Founded in the 1970s, Reliance now employs over 24,000 workers. Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani is considered Asia’s richest man and has plans to challenge Amazon in India.

Fabienamnet // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: Banco Santander

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Answer: Spain

Commonly known as Santander in the U.S., Banco Santander was founded way back in 1857. Spain’s Queen Isabella II signed a royal decree that allowed the incorporation of Banco Santander, which was intended to increase trade with Latin America. In 2013, American-based Sovereign Bank became Santander.

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Clue: Philips

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Answer: Netherlands

Phillips’ initial purpose, in the late 19th century, was to manufacture “incandescent lamps and other electrical products.” Today, the Dutch conglomerate has moved past just light bulbs and makes headphones, electric toothbrushes, medical equipment, and much more. In 1979, Phillips introduced the concept of a CD player.

Phillip Medhurst // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: Anglo American

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Answer: South Africa

Anglo American is recognized for mining, investing heavily in minerals and metals. At times, Anglo American has been the world’s leading miner of platinum. Sir Ernest Oppenheimer founded the company in 1917.

Truffle 123 // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: Grupo Bimbo

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Answer: Mexico

Grupo Bimbo, founded in 1945, counts among its brands Entenmann’s, Sara Lee, and Takis. In January 2020, Grupo Bimbo added Lender’s Bagels to its stable. Over the years, Grupo Bimbo products were stocked in 95% of Wal-Marts, Costcos, and Krogers.

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Arthur Weidmann // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: L'Oréal

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Answer: France

Eugene Schueller founded L'Oréal in 1909. Since then, L'Oréal has become the world’s largest cosmetics company. Viola Davis, Helen Mirren, and Celine Dion are some notable names who’ve modeled in L'Oréal campaigns.

Seung-il Ryu // NurPhoto via Getty Images

Clue: Hyundai Motors

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Answer: South Korea

Chung Ju-Yung, founding chairman of Hyundai, was born in North Korea in 1915. Fifty-two years later, more than a decade after the Korean peninsula was separated into two countries, Chung launched Hyundai Motors. Hyundai morphed into a chaebol—the Korean term for a family-run conglomerate—and now operates luxury department stores.

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User:A,Ocram // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: Red Bull GmbH

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Answer: Austria

Dietrich Mateschitz, inspired by Far East energy drinks, founded Red Bull in 1984. In 2019, Red Bull sold 7.5 billion cans of its energy drink. The company has grown to sponsor a wide variety of sporting events and teams.

GoToVan // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: Lululemon Athletica

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Answer: Canada

Twenty-two years ago, Lululemon was founded in Vancouver. In 2018, Lululemon's revenue reached $3.3 billion. The yoga-wear remains popular, but Lululemon has come under scrutiny in the past for false advertising.

Christopher Persson // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: Volvo

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Answer: Sweden

Founded in 1927, Volvo produces automobiles in 18 countries. In 2018, Volvo reported over $40 billion in net sales. During the latest Super Bowl, Volvo ran an advertisement offering the possibility of $1 million worth of free cars.

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Wikipedia // ????

Clue: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries

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Answer: Israel

Not to be confused with outdoorsy sandals, Teva Pharmaceutical was initially called “Assia,” an Aramaic word for doctor. After almost 120 years of success, Teva has run into some obstacles in the market, with shares trading at about $10.

BRUNO FAHY // AFP via Getty Images

Clue: Anheuser-Busch InBev

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Answer: Belgium

Anheuser-Busch InBev technically was formed through a 2008 merger, but Anheuser-Busch is over 165 years old. Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Hoegaarden are just some AB InBev brands. Recently, the company entered the hard seltzer market.

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Koki Nagahama // Getty Images for Mazda Motor Co

Clue: Mazda

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Answer: Japan

Founded in 1920, Mazda was initially a cork company. Mazda’s first vehicle was released in 1931, a tricycle truck. According to the Mazda website, the company name is derived from “Ahura Mazda, the god of harmony, intelligence, and wisdom from the earliest civilization in West Asia.”

Craddocktm // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: HSBC

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Answer: United Kingdom

Thomas Sutherland, a Scotsman working in Hong Kong, sought to create better banking facilities when he launched HSBC in the 1860s. HSBC, which stands for The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, is now traded publicly on the New York Stock Exchange. However, HSBC may soon leave Turkey.

Miguel Medina // AFP via Getty Images

Clue: Campari Group

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Answer: Italy

Since 1860, Campari has produced liquors. Brands like Aperol, Grand Marnier, and Wild Turkey now reach over 190 countries. In particular, Aperol Spritz drinks have become a point of debate in the U.S. and are popular in the Japanese show “Terrace House.”

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Sparkx 11 // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: LVMH

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Answer: France

Luxury brands Louis Vuitton and Moet Hennessey merged in 1987, but the conglomerate’s roots trace back to the 16th century. However, the two luxury icons don’t just specialize in opulence. LVMH recently became an investor in Target beauty products and the soccer club A.C. Milan.

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Clue: Lenovo

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Answer: China

Lenovo launched in 1984 with an initial capital outlay of about $25,000. Two decades later, Lenovo completed its acquisition of IBM, which was one of the world’s leading computer companies in 1984. Lenovo also produces smartphones and is traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

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Deansfa // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: A&W

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Answer: Canada

A&W, a favored root beer of Snoopy, opened its first roadside stand in California in 1919. A&W is the initials of the surnames of founders Roy Allen and Frank Wright. Known for serving a variety of burgers and chicken meals, A&W recently started selling Cod sliders.

Twicepix // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: UBS

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Answer: Switzerland

UBS history traces back to 1862 as the Bank in Winterthur, and in the 1890s, the Swiss Bank Corporation was founded. The Union Bank of Switzerland started operations in 1912 when Winterthur merged with Toggenburger Bank; then, in 1998, Swiss Bank Corporation and Union Bank of Switzerland merged to form UBS. Recently, UBS has been struggling with investors losing faith in the company and withdrawing large sums from hedge funds.

CAPTAIN RAJU // Wikimedia Commons

Clue: Ferrari

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Answer: Italy

The 125 S, Ferrari’s first car, was built in 1947. In 2019, the film “Ford v Ferrari,” which chronicles Ferrari’s dominance as a powerful sports car in the racing circuit, received four Academy Award nominations. Even before the release of “Ford v Ferrari,” the Italian sports cars have been a symbol of luxury in films for decades. (Remember the desired red car in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”?)

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Clue: Billabong

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Answer: Australia

Billabong, a small surfing company when it was founded in 1973, caught a huge wave when it became publicly traded in 2000. Eventually, Billabong was bought by Quiksilver, another major name in outdoor sports apparel and equipment. Today, Billabong sponsors some of the world’s best surfers.

CHANDAN KHANNA // AFP via Getty Images

Clue: OYO Hotels

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Answer: India

Ritesh Agarwal was only 19 years old when he founded OYO Hotels in 2013. Now, Agarwal is worth over $1 billion, with Airbnb as an early investor in his vision. However, expansion in the U.S. and U.K. has been rocky, with some OYO staff being cut as the company readjusts.

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