Torres Cobos, BertaBontempo, LuanaRoncone, AlbertoQuintanilla-Casas, BeatrizServili, MaurizioGuardiola Ibarz, FrancescVichi, S. (Stefania)Tres Oliver, Alba2025-07-112025-07-1120250308-8146https://hdl.handle.net/2445/222165This study presents a pioneering comparison of target stable isotope ratios analysis and sesquiterpene (SH)</p><p>fingerprinting for authenticating virgin olive oil (VOO) geographical origin. Both methods were selected for</p><p>being among the most promising targeted and untargeted approaches, respectively. These methods were applied</p><p>to the same sample set of nearly 400 VOO samples, covering diverse harvest years, cultivars and producers. PLSDA</p><p>classification models were developed to differentiate between Italian and non-Italian VOOs, as well as VOOs</p><p>from three closely located Italian regions. Isotopic models based on bulk δ13C, δ18O and δ2H achieved over 75 %</p><p>classification accuracy in distinguishing Italian from non-Italian VOOs, while SH fingerprinting outperformed</p><p>with over 90 % accuracy and greater sensitivity to regional differences, as assessed in external validation. This</p><p>systematic comparison provides insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each method, and the results will</p><p>guide future research to enhance their reliability in VOO geographical authentication.8 p.application/pdfengcc-by (c) Berta Torres Cobos, et al., 2025http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/es/AntropometriaOli d'olivaQuímica dels alimentsAnthropometryOlive oilFood compositioninfo:eu-repo/semantics/article7578322025-07-11info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess