About us
ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS – THANK YOU, PETER
Way back in 1731 Peter Henckels had the idea to register the ZWILLING trademark with the Cutler’s Guild of Solingen, Germany. A brilliant idea, in our opinion. Because that makes ZWILLING one of the oldest brands in the world today. And Germans are well known for their love of traditions. So thanks for that.
THE PAST PREPARED US FOR THE FUTURE
Imagine you have a 287-year-old brand history that you are eager to share with everyone. But at the same time you are a modern, forward thinking company that is all about future cooking trends and technologies. Both are really important. Which is why we’re going to tell you about both parts separately. Let’s start with where we started.
1731
Peter Henckels registers ZWILLING as a trademark on June 13th in Solingen.
1818
ZWILLING opens its first sales outlet in Berlin.
1851
ZWILLING is awarded a prize at the World Fair in London.
1855
ZWILLING is presented with the highest award at the World Fair in Paris.
1883
Opening of the New York branch by Graef & Schmidt.
1893
ZWILLING wins the only medal awarded at the World Fair in Chicago.
1909
The first subsidiary is opened in the USA. 1915 ZWILLING wins four first prizes at the World Fair in San Francisco.
1915
ZWILLING wins four First Prizes at the World Fair in San Francisco.
1927
Opening of the Paris branch.
1938
ZWILLING is granted the patent for the "Küchenhilfe" range of scissors. Extremely robust, they are still included in our product range today. And we are proud to say that they are one of the most widely copied scissors worldwide.
1939
ZWILLING applies for the patent for the ice-hardening process. Ice-hardened FRIODUR® blades have extremely good cutting edge retention, are flexible, ultra-corrosion-resistant and really cool. Sorry for the pun – we just couldn’t resist.
1970
Wilh. Werhahn KG becomes the sole shareholder.
1976
Development of the ****FOUR STAR knives – ZWILLING's best-selling chef's knife range with an iconic design that hasn’t changed in over 40 years. That’s what we call truly timeless.
1983
Development of TWIN multi-purpose scissors – ZWILLING's most popular scissors.
1989
TWINOX becomes the embodiment of quality in the beauty sector.
1995
Establishment of the joint venture in China. The start of an incomparable success story that made ZWILLING one of the most desired
premium brands in China.
1998
Share in Jaguar Stahlwarenfabrik, manufacturer of high-quality hairdressing equipment.
2004
Takeover of the US manicure producer TWEEZERMAN.
2005
Opening of the first ZWILLING concept store in Paris.
2007
Acquisition of Tondeo Werk GmbH, manufacturer of high-quality hairdressing products.
2008
Introduction of the TWIN 1731 chef's knife range. As the first of a new generation of knives, it discreetly combines the proven with progress, with a focus on form and function.
2008
Acquisition of the French cookware manufacturer STAUB. Its leading product ranges are cast-iron enamel cookware and ceramics.
2008
Acquisition of the Belgian cookware manufacturer DEMEYERE. The traditional company is particularly well known among professional chefs as a manufacturer and pioneer of high-quality cookware for energy-saving induction hobs.
2011
ZWILLING Care launches an extraordinary initiative for people with disabilities in the southern Indian town of Pondicherry. Young Indians with disabilities are helped to learn a trade and lead independent lives.
2012
Share in alessandro International, a renowned nail design brand. 2013 Acquisition of QVS GLOBAL, a manufacturer of cosmetics accessories.
2013
Opening of the first ZWILLING flagship store on Düsseldorf's premier Königsallee.
2015
Acquisition of the Italian brand BALLARINI – one of the leading brands for nonstick cookware.
2018
Opening of the first ZWILLING Culinary World flagship store at Taikoo Hui Mall in Shanghai.
2020
ZWILLING enters new business fields with Enfinigy ® for electrics and Fresh & Save ® for new vacuum based storage systems.
2021
Acquisition of the majority of shares of the German leading BBQ retailer Santos-Grills GmbH and Flammkraft® a luxury brand for gas grills made in Germany.
MADE IN SOLINGEN
Who would have thought that the small company that started with the production of high quality knives and invented the tool with the unspeakable name “Küchenhilfe“ (which literally means Kitchen-helper) would one day inspire the whole world? From Solingen to Berlin to New York to almost every important culinary region. ZWILLING expanded quickly and became the specialist for the international culinary culture that you know today.
MADE OF STEEL. AND PASSION.
When it comes to the production of our products we are really passionate about perfection. We only use quality materials and the most advanced technologies in their development to ensure the most durable products. The premium quality of every product is monitored throughout the whole production process continuously. But we couldn't live up to our own standards without the skilled hands that share our passion for quality.
OUR WORLD...
The Culinay World of the ZWILLING Group is not only home to great kitchen tools but also to great brands from all over the world like ZWILLING from Germany, STAUB from France, MIYABI from Japan, BALLARINI from Italy or DEMEYERE from Belgium. Each with different strengths and tradtions but with the same possion for high quality products.
...IS YOUR WORLD
No matter where you are, at some point you want to prepare something that tastes extraordinary. And while we have no idea with whom you are cooking or where you're going to eat, we do know this: our products will inspire you and help you along the way.
AT YOUR SIDE FOR 290 YEARS
We have been connecting people through the joy of cooking for over 290 years. With high-quality products, innovative new products and insipirationfor the kitchen, we lay the foundation for cooking with passion. Thanks to our long tradition and ever-increasing range of products, we have the know-how to keep inspriring you, even after all these years.
A STRONG LINEUP
MEET THE FAMILY
ZWILLING was a family business from day one. And we are proud of the fact that this family grew bigger and bigger over the years. Today several brands are members of the ZWILLING Group. And millions of people around the globe who are using ZWILLING tools are part of the family, too.
ZWILLING
We've grown from a cutlery forge in Solingen to a worldwide company with a wide range of products for your modern-living kitchen. And we are sure: the best is yet to come.
STAUB
Savoir vivre–French people know how to live. And STAUB knows how to produce authentic cast iron and ceramic cookware.
MIYABI
Japanese artistry and German precision so intertwined that not even our sharpest knife could separate them.
BALLARINI
Want to know the secret behind one of the leading brands for nonstick cookware since 1889? Always stick to your values. And combine technology with passion, family rituals and laughter.
DEMEYERE
Always the right choice when you are looking for the most advanced stainless steel cookware that meets the most demanding lifestyle. Whether you're a professional chef or just the boss in the kitchen.