Marketbase first began to work as a consultancy for USDA MAP-sponsored program (Market Access Program) in 1990, when it conducted a large reserach project on the French retail sector for WUSATA (Western United States Trade Association).

At the retail food level, clients have included Sara Lee, Buffalo Bill, Perfect Purée of Napa Valley and the French international canning company, Bonduelle.

About 70% of Marketbase's business derives from the food sector.

Marketbase is also involved in humanitarian aid activities and worked extensively in Siberia on product awareness, in order to increase the acceptability of dry peas and lentils for food aid recipients. Marketbase has now been assigned the region of sub-Sahara Africa to carry out food aid project work for the USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council. This involves promotional activities with importers and retailers, as well as development of a pea-based drink, fortified with micronutrients, to be used in school lunch programs and direct feeding programs. These programs may be sponsored by local NGOs, USAID, and, eventually, the World Food Program.