The wine industry’s upward trajectory continues, but the rate of growth has decelerated. In 2014, total wine volume rose 1.0 percent, and projections for 2015 and beyond call for a similar pace of industry expansion, according to the recently released “2015 WineTAB” report from industry research firm Technomic Inc. “Primary factors influencing the industry’s performance include slowed per capita consumption growth and the proliferation of brands and styles, as well as competition from spirits and beer for consumer attention and occasions,” said Donna Hood Crecca, Senior Director at Technomic Inc. “Consumers are highly engaged with wine and learning more about it every day, we also see consumer trade-up happening, but the number of choices they face at the restaurant table and in the retail store can be almost overwhelming.”