Sobeys, Fresh & Easy market specialty burgers

With yesterday’s holiday marking the unofficial kick-off to summer, grilling is on the minds of many consumers. At the same time, this year’s record-high beef prices may push more customers to switch to ground beef or other ground meats.

Several retailers have used social media to promote more sophisticated burgers, whether value-added options sold in stores or recipes for consumers to try at home.

As part of its partnership with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, Sobeys launched a better burger social media contest and features value-added products created by the chef.

Food Lion posted a video for a turkey burger recipe using ingredients from the retailer and a local specialty store.

Fresh & Easy showcases another meat trend: bacon.

Heinen’s highlights its specialty beef, chicken, turkey and veggie burgers.

Stew Leonard’s features a “burger of the week” at its in-store eatery.