Bengaluru, July 6 -- Blinkit has begun piloting a premium grocery offering called Gourmet in select pincodes of Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai, as the Eternal-owned quick commerce company looks to tap demand for high-end food and grocery products while increasing order values and improving margins, according to three people aware of the matter.

The service offers premium products such as artisanal cheeses and breads, and ozone-washed fruits and vegetables. Gourmet is being serviced through a separate network of around five dedicated dark stores, two each in Delhi and Bengaluru, and one in Mumbai, the people said.

The launch positions Gourmet as a challenger to Bengaluru-based FirstClub, promoted by former Cleartrip chief executive R. ...