A little flavor, a lot of style

Strawberries. Aperol Spritz. Sardines in a vintage tin. If that sounds like a dream snack board, you’re not wrong. But it’s also one of the most unexpected art licensing trends of the year. From wall decor to kitchen textiles, food-inspired art is showing up everywhere right now, and it’s not just for cooks and foodies. This trend is about color, nostalgia, charm, and a little mood-lifting joy at home.

At Wild Apple, we’ve seen a major surge in requests for fruit-forward artwork, cozy coffee illustrations, and vintage-inspired packaging designs. What’s behind the rise of food art licensing? A little wholesomeness, a lot of personality, and a whole market of consumers craving something warm, witty, and maybe just a touch indulgent.

Why Food Art Licensing is Having a Moment

Food art isn’t new, but it feels completely fresh in 2025. Here’s why manufacturers and retailers are loving it:

  • Saturated color is back. The muted minimalist era is giving way to bolder tones. Citrus brights, berry reds, and rich olives look stunning on everything from paper to ceramic.
  • It brings joy. Whether it’s a breakfast doodle or a beautifully painted Aperol Spritz, food art makes people smile. In a world full of headlines, that emotional connection matters.
  • It aligns with European influences. Mediterranean kitchens, sun-drenched meals, and vintage food posters are all trending globally in decor.

As Vogue Home put it in a recent trend roundup, people are decorating with the intention of living well. And what’s more “living well” than a perfect lemon?

What’s Hot in Food Art Licensing Right Now

Let’s talk icons. These are the motifs that are licensing fast and trending everywhere:

  • Fruit that pops: Strawberries, lemons, cherries, and oranges are leading the way. Whether ultra-modern or soft and painterly, fruit brings joy, color, and instant graphic appeal.
  • Coffee and tea: Slow living, self-care, cozy corners — art featuring tea, coffee culture, and cafe scenes taps into the lifestyle consumers want to see reflected in their spaces.
  • Sardines (yes, really): Once niche, now next-level cool. Sardine tins are on wallpaper, tea towels, and gallery walls thanks to their vintage European aesthetic and playful visual style. They pair beautifully with hand-lettered fonts, retro palettes, and bold color blocks.
  • Vintage cocktails: Aperol Spritz, Negronis, and martinis are having a visual moment. This isn’t bar art of the past — this is chic, mid-century style made modern again. Think splashy drinks, print sets, and editorial poster vibes.
  • Painterly still lives: Still life art is timeless, but in 2025 it’s getting a modern refresh. Artists are giving us citrus bowls with painterly textures and a soft vintage feel. These pieces are elegant, saturated, and right at home in kitchens, cafés, or boutique hospitality spaces. 
  • Doodles and line art: This is food art with attitude. Playful, hand-drawn, and full of personality, doodles are one of the fastest-growing styles in food-themed art. This style is ideal for wall decor, stationery, and giftware. It’s cheeky, stylish, and irresistibly fun, perfect for brands looking to bring in some modern whimsy.

Beyond the Kitchen: Where It Works

This trend may start in the kitchen, but it doesn’t stay there. Food art is crossing categories and creating new licensing opportunities:

  • Wall decor: From framed art to canvas and murals, food art fits perfectly in kitchens, cafés, dining rooms, and hospitality spaces.
  • Textiles and tabletop: Napkins, aprons, placemats, and tea towels come alive with bold fruit or charming cocktail scenes.
  • Stationery and paper goods: Greeting cards, notepads, and journals get an instant upgrade with adorable or sophisticated food motifs.
  • Giftware: Art licensing for food-themed packaging and product designs is big, especially with vintage illustration styles.

Why It Works for Art Licensing

Food art isn’t just cute. It’s a smart licensing choice.

  • It’s versatile. The same design can work across categories and styles.
  • It’s emotional. People connect with it instantly.
  • It’s bold. It grabs attention online and in-store.
  • It’s trend-aware. It hits key style notes — vintage, Mediterranean, whimsical, warm minimalism, and saturated color.

For manufacturers and retailers, it also solves a very practical problem: it works across seasons. Unlike holiday themes, food is evergreen, and there’s always room on the shelf or product line for a fresh lemon or a charming teacup.

Wild Apple’s Take: Flavor You Can License

At Wild Apple, we’ve been tracking the rise of food art licensing for the past few seasons, and we’re leaning in. Our artists have been cooking up collections that range from retro-cool sardine tins to painterly citrus still lifes and cheerful coffee moments.

With thousands of food-inspired artworks to choose from, our online catalogue makes it easy to browse, build collections, and get inspired. Every image is high-resolution and production-ready, whether you need it on a pillowcase or a poster.

Looking to add a little flavor to your next product line? Start browsing our edible collections today, or reach out to our team to license what’s trending and full of charm.