Exclusive knife deal brings new Knife Skills masterclass on 28 November
Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy (EFDA) announced on 9th November 2026 a new partnership with Victorinox, the Swiss cutlery manufacturer and creator of the original Swiss Army Knife™. Victorinox will become the exclusive knife partner for EFDA, outfitting the academy’s Georgian townhouse kitchens with industry-grade chef’s knives. Students enrolled in EFDA’s 12-week Diploma in Professional Cookery programme, as well as participants in select masterclasses, will have the opportunity to work with and develop their skills using Victorinox knives.
The partnership will launch with an Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy x Victorinox Knife Skills and Cooking Techniques class on Saturday 28 November. Participants will learn how to use professional knives safely and effectively, covering chopping, filleting fish and jointing a chicken with maximum yield and minimal waste.
Aisha Elshani, Head Teacher at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy, said: “Whether you’re a professional chef, training to become one, or an avid home cook, the knives you use and the techniques implemented make a difference to every aspect of the dish. By equipping people with the understanding of different techniques, what knife to use for what dish or ingredient, and how to safely use sharp equipment in the kitchen, we can ensure uniform prep, consistent cooking times and an overall smoother, safer experience in the kitchen. Victorinox knives are highly regarded internationally as the ultimate chef’s companion. I’ve personally used their knives throughout my career and in my home kitchen, so I’m particularly delighted to be partnering with the team and introducing emerging chefs to their premium Swiss craftsmanship.”
Philipp Steiner, Head of Strategic Partnerships & Sponsorships at Victorinox, said: “At Victorinox, we are proud to support professionals and aspiring chefs around the world with reliable tools for their craft. Our partnership with Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy is an opportunity to contribute to culinary education and help students build confidence in the kitchen through hands-on learning and practice. We are delighted to work with an institution that shares our commitment to quality, craftsmanship and lifelong learning.”
The next 12-week Diploma in Professional Cookery course to benefit from the partnership begins on 11 January 2027, with an open evening taking place on Wednesday 18 November for those interested in a career in the food and drink industry.
EFDA relaunched earlier this year following 17 years as the Edinburgh New Town Cookery School, with a stated mission to create, connect and elevate cooking skills in the community and the food and drink industry. The academy is based in the centre of Edinburgh and offers a Diploma in Professional Cookery and Seasonal Chef Course, alongside recreational classes and events for home cooks.
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About Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy
The former Edinburgh New Town Cookery School was founded in 2009 by Fiona Burrell, former principal of Leiths School of Food & Wine, and relaunched as Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy in March 2026. The academy is led by CEO and food entrepreneur Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne and is based in a historic five-storey Georgian townhouse in Edinburgh.
About Victorinox
Victorinox traces its origins to 1884, when Karl Elsener opened a knifemaking workshop in central Switzerland, delivering his first soldier’s knife to the Swiss Army in 1891 and creating the Swiss Officer’s and Sports Knife in 1897. The company, now a fourth-generation family business, operates in over 120 countries and produces pocket knives alongside kitchen and professional knives, watches and travel gear.
