South Korea’s imports of avocados have dramatically increased in recent years, riding on the surging popularity of the fruit for its versatility in cooking and health benefits, industry data showed Tuesday.

According to data compiled by the Korea Customs Service, the amount of avocados imported last year reached 2,915 tons, a sixfold surge compared to 457 tons in 2010. 

The figure is expected to reach almost 5,000 tons by the end this year, the data also showed.

Korean retail giant Lotte Mart’s discount warehouse brand Vic Market also reported that its sales of avocados this year have increased by 36.1 percent so far. Of all imported fruits sold at Vic Market, avocado ranked sixth, up five notches from 11th in 2015, the company added.

Avocados are said to lower cholesterol as well as aid weight loss. The fruit was previously recognized by Guinness World Records as the most nutritious fruit on earth.

By Shim Woo-hyun (ws@heraldcorp.com)