Local Pet Food

Connecting Digital Sales to Real-World Delivery

Launching Local Pet Food into New Zealand’s competitive market required more than great branding. Operationally, they needed confidence that every online order would flow smoothly from their website to dispatch; no manual input, no errors, no delays.

Mars Digital built Local’s WooCommerce website with direct API integration into Maxwell Logistics’ warehouse management system (PowerHouse). Orders placed online are automatically transmitted to Maxwell, enabling prompt processing, shipping, and tracking, which is essential for any business scaling B2C eCommerce.

This integration wasn’t plug-and-play. Our team worked closely with Maxwell’s developers to align on API specifications, overcome technical roadblocks, and rigorously test the system to ensure it performed flawlessly.

Technical Spotlight: Custom API Integration

The Maxwell Logistics integration is at the heart of Local Pet Food’s operational success. Here’s how Mars Digital made it work:

✔️ Custom API Development – Designed to send order data directly from WooCommerce to Maxwell’s system in real-time.
✔️ Collaborative Problem Solving – Worked alongside Maxwell’s IT team to align JSON formatting, map SKUs correctly, and resolve challenges like PO number formatting constraints.
✔️ Tested and Proven – Multiple rounds of test orders ensured data was syncing accurately, dispatch was triggered automatically, and Local’s internal processes aligned with their fulfilment partner.
✔️ Future-Proofed – The system is built to scale with Local’s growing product range, including future subscription models and potential expansion into cat food products.

The result? A digital storefront that doesn’t just look great, but one that works seamlessly behind the scenes to deliver real-world results.

Designed for Growth

While the API is a major success factor, the front-end experience is equally important. Mars Digital created a customer-focused, mobile-optimised website designed to:

• Build trust with clear messaging about Local’s New Zealand-made, ethically sourced pet food

• Provide detailed product pages with feeding guides and ingredient transparency

• Educate customers through a blog and FAQ section

• Deliver a clean, premium aesthetic aligned with the brand’s values

The website combines visual appeal with real-world functionality, supporting Local’s brand story and providing the technical foundation for growth.