Popcorn is a type of maize or corn kernel, which expands and puffs up when heated. It is prepared by heating corn kernel, which turns the water into steam, builds pressure inside the kernel, and converts it into popcorn. It is a snacking choice almost in all countries and regions. Two types of popcorn are available commercially— ready–to-eat and microwave popcorn. These are mainly used as snack at homes as well as in the movie theatres, fairs, and circus. Butter, cheese, and caramel are the traditional flavors available in the market. Whereas new flavors such as jalapeno, sea salt, cracked pepper, bacon, and salted caramel are introduced recently in the market.

Microwavable food is defined as a prepackaged meal or food product that requires minimal preparation for cooking. Shelf stable microwavable food, chilled food, and frozen food are categorized under products that can be prepared in a microwave. Microwaves cause water, fat, and sugar molecules to vibrate 2.5 million times per second, producing heat that enables food to get cooked. Foods that can be safely stored at room temperature or “on the shelf” are called shelf stable microwavable foods. These foods are pretreated by heat or dried to destroy food-borne microorganisms. Microwavable chilled foods are stored at refrigeration temperatures, i.e., at or below 0 to −5°C. Chilled food products have high quality and are microbiologically safe at the point of consumption, although they have a low shelf life. Microwavable frozen foods are preferred over microwavable chilled foods, as they can be stored for longer periods and can be prepared in less time. Freezing maintains the nutritional value of the food items and also increases their shelf life. Microwavable frozen products do not require any added preservatives because microorganisms are unable to grow when the temperature of the food is below −9.5°C.

Pizza is a dish of Italian origin, consisting of a flat round base of dough baked with a topping and cheese, typically with added meat, fish, and vegetables. It is one of the most popular foods, sold as fresh or frozen either whole or in portions in the world and is a common fast food item in Europe and North America. A frozen pizza is a ready-to-eat pizza that can be stored in refrigerators and consumed when required. Shelf life of frozen pizza is in the range of six months to one year, depending upon the method of preparation. Freezing is one of the most widely used methods of food preservation as it retains texture, taste, and nutritional value of food for a longer duration. Freezing food slows down decomposition by turning residual moisture into ice, inhibiting the growth of most bacterial species providing a significantly extended shelf life. The busy lifestyle of the working population and change in eating habits of consumer has increased the demand for instant and convenient food products, which is anticipated to drive the growth of the frozen pizza market.

乳企对三四线市场的定义与大众熟知的标准有较大差异，更多参照尼尔森零售研究城市级别定义，三线市场实际上已至郊区、县级市和县城，四线市场更已到分散的乡镇。乳业县级及以下市场收入体量巨大，当前已达到行业整体一半，伊利下沉先发优势明显，其三四线及以下市场贡献收入占其整体收入比更高。

近年来，我国婴幼儿配方奶粉市场品牌“杂乱”，产品质量存在安全隐患，严重影响了行业健康发展和消费信心的恢复。针对此问题，2016年10月国家食品药品监督管理总局颁布了奶粉配方注册新政，在注册时限到期之际，在新政解读的基础上，重点阐述新政后行业格局将发生的变化，同时就新政后尚存在的问题提出建议，以期为政府和企业决策提供参考。