Rollout: The month's most interesting new foods

This isn’t the first time Alcoa and Pittsburgh Brewing have collaborated for an industry first. In 1962, Pittsburgh-based Alcoa developed the first snap-top can (also known at the time as “Easy-Open Snap Top”), and gave Pittsburgh Brewing an exclusive to use this new technology. Following its debut, snap-top cans changed the beverage industry. PBC also was the first brewery to use the twist-off cap on its products.

Kevin Lowery of Alcoa says the company is happy to be part of another innovation at PBC. “We are glad to be involved in the new aluminum Iron City bottles," he remarks. "This is an exciting step not only for the aluminum industry, but also in packaging. Both Alcoa and PBC recognize the importance of being leaders in introducing such a unique product."

“All of our innovations have not only been revolutionary, but successes as well because they are rooted in delivering true consumer benefits,” says Joseph Piccirilli, Pittsburgh Brewing’s vice chairman.

Iron City aluminum bottles are packaged in specially designed 24-packs and suggested retail price is about $1 more than beer packaged in glass.

Festive Holiday Squares

Ghirardelli Chocolate Co., San Francisco, captures the holiday season with an addition to its popular Squares line. Ghirardelli Limited Edition Holiday Squares includes the festive flavors of Peppermint Bark, Eggnog, and Cinnamon Spiced Almond.

"Ghirardelli uses a precise blend of deep-roasted beans and hand-selected ingredients to create our intense signature taste," says Tinka Gordon, vice president of marketing. "For these Ghirardelli Holiday Squares, we selected the most popular holiday flavors to complement our rich chocolate and create a unique and pleasurable indulgence for the holiday season."

For a limited time only, Ghirardelli Holiday Squares come individually wrapped in brightly colored jewel-toned foil wrapping, and will be available in Holiday Chocolate Assortment or Peppermint Bark bags, as well as a variety of special gift packages.

Suggested retail price for a 9.4-oz Holiday Chocolate Assortment and a 9.3-oz. Peppermint Bark-only bag is $5.99 and a 3-oz. Peppermint Bark Bar is $2.49.

Stocking stuffer for Fifi and Fido

Invite your pets to a gourmet … er, gour-mutt holiday gathering courtesy of Halo, Purely for Pets, Palm Harbor, Fla. Halo’s Dinner Party combines freeze-dried USDA-approved chicken or beef with savory seasonings, herbs and vegetables. Just sprinkle it over your pet’s food, and the meal becomes a gourmet treat.

Dinner Party, which stimulates digestion and provides an extra healthy source of protein, is available in two flavors: Chicken & Herbs and Beef & Herbs. Move out of the way as you dog dives or cat-a-pults into the bowl. Even the most finicky pet will jump for joy. Suggested retail price is $9.98 for 3 ounces.