Established in 1896, Ed Miniat maintains a products development team comprised of meat scientists, culinary experts, labeling specialists and food technicians who customize a variety of products. It operates through its subsidiary, Miniat Oils, which is a refinery that creates finished oil products. Miniat Oils provides a range of fats and oils for food and technical applications. Its oils are used in baking cookies, pies and cakes, as well as frying fish and vegetables. The company s products are also utilized in icing, frosting, fillings, gravy sauces, soup bases, candies and pet food. In addition, Miniat Oils products are used in several nonfood applications, such as fabric softeners.