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Geographical origin and authenticity of food are topics of interest for both consumers and producers. Among the different indicators used for traceability studies, n (87Sr)/ n (86Sr) isotopic ratio has provided excellent results. In this study, the production chains of the balsamic vinegars of the Modena province, the Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena (ABTM) and the industrially made Aceto Balsamico di Modena (ABM) were investigated by using the n (87Sr)/ n (86Sr) indicator. The geographical origin of the starting raw materials for the ABM production was investigated, as well as the variability of ABM samples of different production years, namely 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2014. The results show no significant variability among ABM samples of different production years and highlight the possibility to distinguish this product from the ABTM. Furthermore, the investigated indicator also confirms an objective link of the food with its starting raw material and the territory of origin of the grapes, assessing the discriminating power of n (87Sr)/ n (86Sr) ratio for geographical traceability studies. • The ratio n (87Sr)/ n (86Sr) does not change along the ABTM batteria. • The n (87Sr)/ n (86Sr) of ABTM samples are coherent with the soil values of the territory of origin. • The n (87Sr)/ n (86Sr) of ABM reflects the mixing ratio between the starting raw materials. • ABTM and ABM can be statistically differentiated on the base of the n (87Sr)/ n (86Sr) ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]